Idolatry in the Biblical usage mostly is the paying of divine honor to any created thing; the ascribing of divine power to a carved image. Something crafted by human hands, made of wood or stone. An idol can be either physical object that symbolizes deity, or it can be an abstract concept such as greed. A physical idol is merely the work of a craftsman- which has no life in it, nor cannot deliver you in time of troubles.
The Israelites, though blessed by God, worshipped false idols. The anger of God was kindled against them and many of them died as a result. As a Christian, you cannot serve God and mammon! God seriously frowns at that. Elijah told the prophets of Baal, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow” (1 Kings 18: 21).
How many of us Christians are wavering between different opinions today? Some of us cannot stand life challenges without bowing down to graven images under the guise of “God helps those who help themselves “. How can a child of God belittle himself to the extent of bowing down to other gods in search of solutions? It is an error! Our God hate idolatry. Hear what He says here: “But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!” (Judges 10:13 – 14).
Idolatry, which is a worship of false gods, is foremost the sin of covetous heart. When we begin to desire more than what God provides, and trust something or someone lesser than God to satisfy our wants and needs; we are practicing idolatry. Apostle Paul wrote in Col. 3: 5 that covetousness is idolatry. A believer who is satisfied with God is contented with whatever he has. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Tim. 6: 6 – 7). A covetous heart is never contented, always seeking for more (i.e. money, success, fame, friends, influence, popularity etc.) in order to feel secure and to please the flesh. He is ready to do anything to achieve his aim even if it means worshiping idol.
There is only one God, and He demands that His people worship Him exclusively for His glory and our benefits. Idolatry is dangerous because it is connected with the activity of demons, who seek to steal God’s glory and wreck our relationship with the Lord. (1 Cor. 10: 19 – 20). I urge you today my beloved, to flee idolatry!!
Prayer points:
Idolatry is a sin of total disregard to the sovereignty of God. Our God cannot share His glory with any other, when we turn away from God, He will no longer save us. Pray that God should help us to flee from idolatry.
Confession:
No matter what happens to me, my mind is made up; I will serve God only because He is faithful and true.
revmrsudenyi@hopealivechurch.