EVERYTHING WE NEED: Modern Day Idolatry (Part 2)
Karen Michell

EVERYTHING WE NEED: Modern Day Idolatry (Part 2)

      In the last article (see Oct. 23 issue), I wrote about how idolatry became the downfall of God’s chosen people. The Lord was adamant when He said, “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isa. 42:8 NIV1984). Idolatry is an offense to God.

     Despite Israel’s rebellion, the Lord offered forgiveness. “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” (Isa. 55:6-7). While enjoying the blessings of God, their worship and adoration were still given to something that could not offer them mercy or forgiveness.

      Idolatry is still strong in our world today. When I go to estate sales, I see Bibles and Christian literature in different homes. Occasionally, I also see statues of Buddha, the Virgin Mary and various other idols I do not recognize — all evidence of what is worshiped in those households.

      You and I do not worship such idols and expressly condemn the adoration given to anyone or anything above God. We would never do anything to make God jealous. Right?

      Wrong! We are far from guiltless. We have things in our lives that are often revered above God. Someone said that an idol is anything we serve, love, desire, trust, fear and worship — something more important than God. We should give those words serious thought.

      Paul wrote these words:“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry(Col. 3:5).

      Having a nice home, cars, a good job, a nice bank account or a great retirement plan are blessings from God. We are meant to enjoy those things, but if more value is given to them than to God, we have created our own idols. Having seen the devastation from recent hurricanes, think how quickly we can lose everything we cherish. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-20).

      Nothing of this world lasts forever. We can lose our jobs, our elite positions, our status in society, our youthfulness, our stamina and even our mobility. A strong attachment to these things will keep us empty and out of fellowship with God. Too often, when having a deep desire to be and have the best of everything, we compromise our Christian values, being willing to do or say anything to reach our goals. Rebuilding a Christian testimony is difficult once the things of this world have become our focus. Our identity should only be found in Jesus Christ.

      Family, friends and material possessions are gifts from God. He wants us to enjoy them, but we must keep them in their rightful place. If God is a priority in our lives, our hearts will no longer cling to anything or anyone that cannot give us hope, forgiveness, joy and love. Only God deserves our worship and adoration. He is God, and there is no other.

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Karen MichellKaren Michell

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