Smash That Idol (Part 1)

A compilation Jan 27, 2015

You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.—Exodus 20:4–51

*

Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.—1 John 5:212

*

When we hear the word “idol” we often think of statues and objects reminiscent of those worshipped by pagans in ancient cultures. However, the idols of the 21st century often bear no resemblance to the artifacts used thousands of years ago. Today, we have replaced the “golden calf” with an insatiable drive to reach the top of the corporate ladder or with a myriad of other passionate pursuits. And, sadly, those who aggressively pursue goals and dreams, altogether excluding God, are often admired for their individualism and drive. In the end, however, it doesn’t matter what empty pleasure we chase after or to what or whom we bow down, the result is the same—separation from the one true God.

Understanding contemporary idols can help us to understand why they prove to be such a powerful temptation. An idol can be anything we place ahead of God in our lives, anything that tugs at our heart more than God does, such as possessions, careers, relationships, hobbies, sports, entertainment, goals, greed, addictions to alcohol/drugs/gambling/pornography, etc. Many of these things we idolize can be very good, such as relationships or careers. Yet Scripture tells us that whatever we do, we are to “do it all for the glory of God,”3 and that we are to serve God only.4 Unfortunately, God is often nowhere to be found as we zealously pursue our idols. Worse yet, the significant amount of time we often spend in these idolatrous pursuits leaves us with little or no time to spend with the Lord.

… The joys of this world for which we too often seek will never satisfy the human heart. As Solomon beautifully conveys in the book of Ecclesiastes, apart from a right relationship with God, life is futile. We were created in God’s image5 and designed to worship and glorify Him, as He alone is worthy of our worship. God has placed “eternity in man’s heart,”6 and a relationship with Jesus Christ is the only way to fulfill this longing for eternal life.—S. Michael Houdmann7

*

How many have found it easy to have your idols smashed? If you have, you’re unusual! For most people, it’s pretty hard to take. We are tempted to say, “Now listen, Lord, can’t we just keep this little idol here? I worshipped this idol for many years and it was very dear to me and I thought it was great. Now that I’ve found out it isn’t great, can’t I just keep it in one little back corner of the house someplace? After all, I spent a lot of money on it and it took a lot of my time. If it’s not good for much else, if it’s not useful and I can’t worship it anymore, can’t I at least just keep it around someplace?”

Don’t you find this true with a lot of things? Don’t you find this true in your own heart? “Lord, why do I have to give this up? It’s not so bad—and it used to be pretty good. I used to think it was great. It may not be useful, but at least maybe it’s harmless! Can’t I just at least keep it back in the corner someplace?”

Then, wham! Just like that, God comes along and smashes that idol. “I will have no other gods before me.”8 Nothing short of right is right. And when you find out that it isn’t just right and that idol gets smashed, it hurts. It’s not easy to take. (Continued - Final)

1 NIV.
2 NIV.
3 1 Corinthians 10:31.
4 Deuteronomy 6:13.
5 Genesis 1:27.
6 Ecclesiastes 3:11.
7 ...gotquestions.org/idol-worship.html#ixzz2wssvtiso.
8 Exodus 20:3.







Anchor TFI [Video Posted - Endless Love - Diana Ross & Lionel Richie]