I’ve found the most idolatry in places that swear they hate idolatry.

People say they don’t worship things
but then they worship income, rank, recognition, systems, speakers, pins, numbers.

Whatever you don’t have yet, you will over-index.

That’s not a moral failure.
It’s a human one.

But if you’re not careful, the thing that was meant to serve you becomes the thing that owns you.

And here’s the trap:
You can call it “discipline.”
You can call it “commitment.”
You can call it “excellence.”

But if it costs you your humanity, it’s not noble it’s hollow.

I’m not anti-achievement.
I’m anti-confusion.

Your value is not your output.
Your worth is not your role.
Your humanity is not conditional on performance.

So before you chase the next level, ask yourself:

What am I quietly turning into an idol?

And what is that idol demanding from me in exchange?