When we think about idolatry, we usually think about worshipping false gods (including praying to statues and images), or chasing wealth, possessions or fame in our lives. These are common forms of idolatry. But if we are not careful to understand idolatry clearly, it may creep into our lives in less obvious forms and in unsuspecting ways.
How Does God Feel about Idolatry?
In Exodus 20:1-6, God’s very first commandment is that we should have no gods before him. He is a jealous God and wants nothing to take his place in our lives. The tone that God uses in this passage is one of a marriage relationship with his people, which allows not room for anyone else in the relationship but us and Him. Throughout the Old Testament, he warns us about the influence of idols in our lives:
- Psalm 106:36 – They are a snare or a trap for us
- Colossians 3:5 – They are part of our earthly nature.
- 1 Corinthians 10:14 – We are to flee from them.
How Can We Tell if There are Idols in our Lives?
Some idolatry is obvious, but some idolatry can be hidden by things that are noble or good. Ask yourself this question – What do my friends, family, and coworkers say that I value most? Is it your family, comfort or security, self-sufficiency, control, praise, your own time, being right, etc. The things we value most are the things we worship or idolize. 2 Peter 2:19 tells us that we are slaves to whatever has mastered us. Ask yourself – what masters you?
The Dangers of Idolatry
The Scriptures consistently warn us of the dangers of idolatry. Ezekial 14:3-6 calls idols stumbling blocks before our faces. We also know that idolatry is sin, which endangers our relationship with God (Ephesians 5:3-5). But one danger that we do not always understand about idols is that they place our relationships with each other in jeopardy because they can cause quarrels and fights (James 4:1-5). A good question to think about is whether you see any idols in your life that are affecting your relationships with God and each other.
Practicals:
- Put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature (Colossians 3:5). Example: If self-sufficiency is an idol, learn to ask others for help, ideas and advice.
- Throw off everything that hinder us…(Hebrews 12:1-2). Example: If your comfort or safety is an idol, think about ways to stretch yourself to give to God’s Kingdom by teaching a lesson or reaching out to build new relationships.
- Seek FIRST his kingdom…(Matthew 6:33). Example: If you have a hobby or activity that is your idol, think about ways to use it to reach out to others.
- Pray! Think about what is lovely, right, pure…(Philippians 4:4-9). Example: If praise or acknowledgement from others is your idol, think of ways to build up and encourage those around you. Pray to think about others first in your life.
- Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. (Proverbs 19:20) Example: If self-control or pride are your idols, seek out others who will give you loving, godly input based on the Scriptures.
Idolatry is a tricky subject, and it can be very hard to see in our own lives. The best way to keep it from creeping in is to be open and vulnerable to God’s word and to the input of others.
by: Mary Benton