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The thin line between dreams and idols
What you need to know:
Yet one would say Davis’ stance was hard, I mean it cannot get harder when the only option is to hang a person, but therein in Davis’ assertion lies the simplicity of his message – the need for every man to have something to live for, committed to, pursue passionately – a dream.
While every man must have a dream – deep convictions of the heart, Brian Mutebi argues that in the world of dreams, close by are idols and a thin line separates the two.
American country music singer, songwriter and actor, Mac Davis argued that there is nothing to do but hang a man when he has no dream. Davis had probably realised without having a dream to succeed in the music industry never would he have topped USA’s country and pop charts in 1970s.
Yet one would say Davis’ stance was hard, I mean it cannot get harder when the only option is to hang a person, but therein in Davis’ assertion lies the simplicity of his message – the need for every man to have something to live for, committed to, pursue passionately – a dream.
Dreams are a must-have for every man. The departed great inspirational speaker and author, Dr. Myles Munroe said even the poorest of the poor has a dream. A world without dreams is unimaginable.
All the great projects, projects that have received international acclaim for transforming lives of people, literally turning around the universe, are people’s dreams.
Imagine a world without Johann Philipp Reis who in 1860 produced a functioning electromagnetic device that could transmit understandable sounds, a telephone.
What about the North Carolina based Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur whose wild dream in 1903 in the invention of the first manned airplane makes Heathrow that is 6646.8 nautical miles from Entebbe, an eight hours journey?
But men have other kinds of dreams too – dreams of buying state-of-the-art cars or pursuing flourishing careers. For some, they would rather do anything, and they mean anything to acquire such cars – and such cars are often very expensive, or keep their job with a top international consulting firm or become a sought-after smart banker or city lawyer.
In the world of dreams also close by are idols. And, unfortunately, sometimes a well conceived and intentioned dream can become one’s idol.
A dream is supposed to serve he who conceived it by helping that individual communicate his or her deepest heart convictions – their reason for existence, to the world. Dreams are selfless.
Dreams transform lives of others. Idols on the other hand are self-seeking. Idols, unlike dreams, demand service. Idols demand that he who possesses them serves and worships them.
I am not talking about the small gods or well embroiled sculptures that often come to mind when idols are mentioned, no.
Pastor Fred Wantaate, the senior pastor of Makerere Full Gospel Church gave an interesting perspective to idols. He said, “The most dangerous idols are not those built behind houses but those in our hearts.” And it is in the heart too where dreams are nurtured. A thin line, a very thin line separates dreams from idols. Perhaps more clearer is idols, unlike dreams, give birth to uncontrollable passions.
And uncontrollable passions, like anything else with immense power over that you cannot control, can suffocate you. Dreams give life. And while dreams are invaluable, priceless, idols are expensive.
One will make money; transform lives with their dreams yet one will lose lots of money trying to satisfy his insatiable passions, idols. To avoid the gallows thus, you ought to have a dream but when you conceive one, be careful lest it takes you to the gallows.
