Choosing whom we trust can be thought of as a binary selection: God or idol. And we will serve who or what we trust. It is sobering to consider that we become like whatever we serve.

Our passions, skills, and gifts can be used to serve others and love God. This path leads us to become conformed to the image of Christ.

These same passions can be used to gain power, hoard income, and gratify the flesh. Trusting in these leads us to spiritual muteness.

Our thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives are either being used to serve themselves or to serve God. The same can be said of our wealth, our relationships, and our daily practices. It begins with whom we trust. And whom we trust very much depends on the perspective we choose, particularly about God.  

All of the things of this world are tools to serve a trustworthy God. Idolatry is putting our trust in the equipment rather than the Equipper.

Is God trustworthy to lead me to fulfillment? Or is money in my hand more trustworthy?  If we trust God, he promises to fill us with himself. The alternative is to be filled with stuff. When we take this perspective, the choice seems clear.

“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
– Psalm 135:15-18