Finding and Destroying Life-Stealing Idols
Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Content Warning: Sensitive Topics Ahead
This post discusses topics related to death and eating disorders. If you find these subjects distressing or feel that reading further may be unhelpful for you, please proceed with caution. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, I encourage you to take care of your well-being and discontinue reading.
The Tragic Cost of an Insidious Idolatry
The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) reports that 10,200 lives are lost each year due to eating disorders—one death every 52 minutes. These numbers are staggering, but they likely don’t capture the full scope of the tragedy, as many deaths caused by eating disorders are recorded under other causes, such as heart attacks, organ failure, or suicide, rather than the disordered eating that underlies them.
I don’t share this statistic lightly, nor is it my intention to traumatize you. I share it because this week, I stood at the graveside of a dear friend—someone I met in residential treatment. She was spunky, kind, and always had a witty comment at the ready. But despite her vibrant spirit, she ultimately lost her life to the relentless pursuit of thinness.
As I watched them lower her casket, I reflected on the writing of John Calvin, "The human heart is a perpetual idol factory." Our hearts are constantly looking for things to worship, to place above God. My friend lost her fight to an idol that is all too common in our society—thinness. What began as a desire for an ideal body became an all-consuming obsession, a false god that promised happiness but delivered only pain and, in the end, even death.
The idol of thinness, like all idols, is deceitful. It whispers that if only we were smaller, lighter, or more toned, we would finally be enough—worthy of love, acceptance, and success. But these promises are hollow and are actually lies from the enemy of our souls. Instead of bringing fulfillment, our idols leave us feeling more empty, more broken, and more desperate. And now, my friend—who once brought so much light and laughter into the world—is gone, all because this world cruelly proclaims that “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”
A Sobering Warning from Scripture: Colossians 2:20-23
As I reflect on my friend’s death, the wickedness of the idol of thinness, and my own recovery journey from an eating disorder I find myself thinking of the verses found in Colossians 2:20-23. It is sobering to take these verses in, but so powerful when we really do. Paul writes, “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”
We live in a culture that relentlessly urges us to take our "health" into our own hands and to place “health” above every other pursuit. The market is saturated with diet books, podcasts, and fitness influencers, all promising longevity, youthfulness, and wellness if we just follow their rules. I can’t help but relate this to the verses in Colossians. These rules around food and our bodies may seem wise on the surface, but in reality, they often mask a harsh truth: this world’s pursuit and obsession over health and beauty trap us in a never-ending battle with our bodies. Rather than leading us to true, lasting freedom and success, we become consumed with how to become thinner, prettier, and more youthful. This was tragically evident in the life of my friend. She was caught in the relentless pursuit of these unattainable ideals, always striving for the false promises that the world offers. In the end, it wasn’t freedom she found, but a struggle that consumed her until it took her very life. The very things that promised her health and happiness only deepened her pain, leading to an outcome that is devastatingly common in a society that worships the idol of thinness.
The Physical and Spiritual Toll of Idolatry
Yet, beyond the ineffectiveness of diets and their impact on mental health, there’s an even deeper, more spiritual concern: how often does our pursuit of “health” overshadow our pursuit of God? In our quest for longevity and youthfulness, how frequently do we fall into the trap of believing that we control our lives, our health, and our aging—rather than trusting God?
For those struggling with eating disorders, the idol of thinness becomes a cruel master, demanding sacrifices that ultimately consume a person’s life. This master demands time, energy, and focus—resources that could be spent on relationships, passions, and spiritual growth. It convinces its followers that their worth is measured by numbers on a scale, the size of their clothing, or the image in the mirror.
This pursuit of thinness often starts innocently enough—a desire to be healthier, to fit into a certain outfit, or to gain approval from others. But as the idol gains power, it starts to control every thought and decision. Meals become fraught with anxiety, social events are avoided, and the joy of eating becomes tainted with guilt and shame. What once seemed like a harmless goal subtly morphs into an all-consuming obsession, demanding total allegiance.
Physically, the body begins to suffer under the weight of this idol. Nutritional deficiencies, weakened immune systems, and deteriorating organs are just some of the physical consequences of relentless dieting and disordered eating. Yet, the cruel master doesn’t relent; it continues to whisper that you must sacrifice more, restrict more, exercise more—until there’s nothing left to give. This is the insidious nature of idols, and it’s one of the reasons why John urges us to keep ourselves from them (1 John 5:21).
The emotional and spiritual damage caused by idolatry is immense. Idols isolate us, convincing us that we are unworthy of love and acceptance unless we meet their impossible standards, fulfill their demands, and achieve their goals. In the case of the idol of thinness, it breeds a mindset of scarcity and fear, turning food into an enemy and our bodies into a battleground. When any idol—whether it’s thinness, money, perfectionism, or education—takes precedence in our lives, it strains our relationships with family, friends, and God. The relentless pursuit of these unattainable ideals overshadows everything else, leaving little room for what truly matters.
The Truth of God’s Promise: Finding True Freedom in Christ
But here’s the truth: idols always lie. They promise happiness, but deliver misery; they offer control, but result in bondage just as Colossians 2:20-23 warns us. The pursuit of our idols cannot satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts—that longing can only truly be satisfied, from my experience, and countless others, in Jesus Christ. Jesus, amazingly offers a yoke that is somehow easy and a burden that is actually light (Matthew 11:28-30). As I have imperfectly sought to follow him and embrace what he teaches, I have found my load truly lightening, a freedom from idols I haven’t found any other way. He invites us to find rest in Him alone, to lay down the heavy burden of striving for perfection, and to embrace the truth that we are loved and valued just as we are.
So, what does it look like to break free from idols? It begins with recognizing the lies of your idols and turning to the truth of God’s Word. It means rejecting the notion that our worth is tied to anything other than Christ and embracing our identity as beloved children of God. It involves reaching out for help—whether that’s through prayer, counseling, support groups, or trusted friends—and allowing others to walk with us on the journey to healing.
True freedom comes when we stop serving the idol of our hearts and start living in the abundant grace and love that God offers. Undeniably, it’s not an easy path, but it’s one, that over time absolutely leads to greater life, joy, and peace (John 10:10).
Most importantly, as you reflect on what I’ve written, I ask you to take your emotions and thoughts to the Word of God. Ask the Spirit of God to help you confront the idols in your own life—whether that be thinness, money, power, sex, success, or anything else that has taken a place of undue importance. Seek God’s guidance in revealing what you might be placing above Him, and consider what you are allowing to define your worth. I pray for healing for you. That as you engage with these questions and invite God into your journey, you will begin to dismantle the idols in your heart. And in their place, may you find the peace, love, and freedom that only God can provide.
Please know that you are not alone in this process. The same God who created you, who knows every thought and feeling, is walking with you every step of the way. I promise His love for you is steadfast and unchanging, regardless of what you’ve believed about yourself or what the world has told you. As you grow in surrendering these idols and allow God to reshape your heart, I pray you will experience the true fullness of life that He offers—a life not defined by the fleeting standards of this world, but by the eternal and unshakable truth that you are His beloved child. There is hope, and there is healing, and it begins with turning your eyes away from the idols of your heart and toward the One who loves you more than you can imagine.
One Final Note
As I reflect on the loss of my friend, I am reminded of the critical importance of addressing the issue of eating disorders with compassion, truth, and an unwavering sense of urgency. Eating disorders are not just about food or weight—they’re about much deeper struggles with identity, worth, and control. As I remember my friend, my heart breaks. I weep for the reality that she will never find freedom on this side of Heaven, that the idol of thinness took hold of her heart at the tender age of 14 and never let go. I am filled with anger at a world that relentlessly screams for us to pursue thinness at any cost. For my friend, that cost was her life—and tragically, she is far from the only one.
Please hear me: eating disorders are life-threatening, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Recovery isn’t as simple as "just start eating" or "just stop." It’s a battle that is nearly impossible to comprehend unless you’ve walked that path yourself. My friend's death is a painful reminder that every moment we delay in addressing the issues surrounding eating disorders puts another life at risk. So, I write with a sense of urgency, pleading with you to seek help if you find yourself consumed by your eating habits, body image, or relationship with exercise. Healing is possible, and it’s not just for you—it’s for all the little boys and girls who will follow in our footsteps. The way we relate to our bodies and food is being closely observed by young, impressionable eyes.
The belief I carried for so long—that my legs were too large and my stomach too round—was a reflection of my mother’s belief that hers were, and of her mother’s before her. These cycles of self-criticism and body shame have been passed down through generations, but they don’t have to continue. I urge you to be the catalyst for change—join me in breaking these cycles. We cannot afford to be passive or indifferent when lives are at stake. This is a battle worth fighting—not just for ourselves, but for our children and for future generations who deserve to grow up free from the tyranny of these destructive ideals.
Breaking these generational cycles of body shame and self-criticism is not just possible—it’s essential. As we fight this battle, we must equip ourselves with the right tools, both practical and spiritual. One powerful resource that has profoundly impacted my own journey is Kyle Idleman’s book, “Gods at War.” In it, Idleman explores the concept of modern-day idolatry, showing how the idols of our hearts—whether they be thinness, success, or approval—wage war against our souls and our relationship with God.
As you reflect on the struggles you or your loved ones may be facing, I encourage you to dive into resources like “Gods at War,” which can guide you in this journey. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal the idols in your life and to give you the strength to let them go. There is hope, and it is found in Christ—the one who loves you more than you can ever imagine, just as you are.
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV): “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Reach Out for Support
If you find yourself struggling with body image or grappling with negative self-perceptions, I want to encourage you to reach out for support and help. As someone who understands the profound impact these challenges can have on your mental and emotional well-being, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward self-acceptance and positive body image. Together, we can explore faith-based practices, develop healthy coping strategies, and build a supportive community around you that fosters love and compassion. If you live in Illinois, please don't hesitate to reach out to me for guidance and support. (Tessa@finishwellgroup.com) You don't have to face this journey alone—let's work together to embrace the unique beauty and worth that you possess.