Idolatry: Past & Present
Idolatry is something that has been around almost as long as mankind, and we read of it throughout Scripture, where it is repeatedly condemned (Exodus 20:3-4; Jeremiah 10:1-16; Matthew 4:10). We tend to think of it as it was back then: worshipping false gods and carved images (Exodus 20:3-5; Psalm 115:1-8). However, the truth is that idolatry takes various forms. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines idolatry as “immoderate attachment or devotion to something.” An idol can be a statue, some other physical object, or even a person. It can be easy to assume that as long as we attend church services and don’t bow down to any statues we’re doing good, but the truth is that anything we put before God in our lives becomes an idol. Think about some common idols in our society today:
Celebrities
The world has a great love for celebrities. Many people greatly admire their work as actors or music artists, keep up with events in their lives, and even look up to them as role models, despite the incredibly ungodly lives that these people lead. Why do we look up to these people as examples? Why do we worship them for the wicked things that they do? Christians belong to God (Colossians 3:4), and we need to be living like it.
Money
America is a greedy, selfish, discontent society, always wanting more. We equate our self-worth with the size of our bank accounts and look for happiness in dollar bills. The fact is “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). Nothing good ever comes out of putting money first. Remember the words of Colossians 3:5, which comes right out and says that covetousness is idolatry.
Technology
We have developed an addiction, especially to our phones. Think about it. How much of our days do we spend staring at screens? True, technology has its good uses, but how often do we neglect those opportunities and simply scroll? Our society has reached the point where even during worship services we see people on their phones instead of focusing on worshipping God. This is a prime example of putting something before our Lord. Do we love our phones, computers, tablets, etc. so much that we let them stop us from worshipping and serving the one true God?
Just like in Bible times, many people today, even Christians, are still guilty of committing the sin of idolatry. They are essentially turning their backs on God and choosing instead to worship and serve a part of His creation (Romans 1:22-25)! We cannot let this continue. How can we as Christians get rid of any idolatry that may be in our lives?
Remember Our Priorities
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 is a verse we often quote, but do we actually obey it? Paul writes in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” As Christians, we are no longer in charge. We live for Christ and Christ alone. We have to make sure that our priorities are in order. If we keep our focus on following God, everything else will fall into place.
Count Our Blessings
It is so easy to take things for granted, and this can play a part in idolatry. Whenever we are tempted with idolatry, thinking about all that God has done for us and counting our blessings will help get our minds back in the right place. Christ left heaven, suffered, and died for us even though we were enemies of Him (Romans 5:8). He has provided salvation for anyone who accepts it, and every Christian has access to ALL spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). Why would anyone choose idolatry over serving God Almighty?
Don’t Waste Time On Worthless Things
James 4:13-14 warns us of the extreme brevity of life. One lifespan on earth is but a speck compared to eternity. Life is a precious gift from God. We must make sure we are staying focused and not wasting the little time we have here on earth.
We have so much to be thankful for as children of God. Let us remember to keep our hearts dedicated to serving Him and Him alone. Christ states in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Idolatry gets us lost, but Christ gives us eternal life.