American Idol

Are you really worshiping God....or......a god?????


The difference is far more than the size of the letter g. The difference in the two bring about one of the most common acts of sin in society... IDOLATRY! Idolatry is the act of worshiping anything other than the one true God; our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is defined as extreme admiration, love, focus  or reverence for something or someone. WHAT?! We ain't worshiping nothing but God! Right, sis??!! Yeah...well, I hate to burst your bubble but it is happening way more frequently than we are aware or care to admit. Idols are anything that take away or distract us from our devotion to God. Idolatry occurs when we place the dependence of our peace on anything other than God. 

Granted in biblical times, most people worshiped gods or goddesses made of wood, stone, or different metals. One of the most studied forms of idolatry in the bible was the golden calf Aaron made for the Israelites. Despite what the idol was made of, it was still a lifeless object with no character or power. In today's society, an idol can be anything that we place ahead of God in our lives. Anything that tugs at our heart more than God does. Anything that divides our attention to God. Some common idols are possessions, careers, relationships, goals, and addictions. Ironically, many of the things that are idolized are not bad in and of themselves, such as relationships or careers. But the motives behind obtaining them or their priority in our lives can get risky. Scripture tells us that whatever we do, we are to “do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), and that we are to serve God only (Deuteronomy 6:13). 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. In seeking to satisfy the desire for the idol, the glory of God is not being considered. The motive is the satisfaction of man. 

 The Word of God is so very vocal about the danger of idols. Several scriptures warn us about placing anything above God. The first 5 of the Ten Commandments deal with idolatry in some form. Exodus 20:3-6 warns “You shall have no other gods before me.You shall not make for yourself an image 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; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."

The danger in the act of idolatry is that one is usually unaware that it is taking place. They have become so use to it that they don't even realize that they are worshiping the things God has given them, rather than worshiping God. Our obsessive behavior over objects are often masked as drive, determination, or motivation when in fact we have began to desire what is in God's hand, not God. This is idolatry. When we start to put things before God we are sinning against God. Not quite following me? Ask yourself these questions and be honest: 

• Is there anything/anyone you feel you can’t live without?
• Is there anything that takes priority over you spending time with God? (Ever told yourself "I'll pray later" or "I'll go to church next Sunday"?)
• Do you have a dream you would sacrifice everything to realize?
• Is there anything that you think about more in a day than God? 
• Does God truly take first place in your life? Over your job, your children, your money? 

My personal opinion is that the three greatest objects of idolatry are:

1. Preachers (or Spiritual Leaders i.e. Evangelist, Ministers, etc.)
2. Relationships, marriage, or companionship
3. Money

One of the most common forms of idolatry takes place in the church. Ohhhh, the irony. Without even realizing what is occurring so many church members began to see their pastor ....as their god. Now this happens frequently and quite easily. You see, the pastor is bringing forth God's eternal, true, hope-filled word. But the pastor is physically visible. He is tangible. You can touch him, you can see him, you can hug him, he can respond. He is right there right now in the natural. All of those are the very things that we sometimes silently struggle with in our belief or faith in God and long for in our relationship with Him. So the pastor becomes their god, instead of them recognizing him as only a vessel of God. How often do people fall in love with the messenger and not the Message (the Word of God)? So often we won't go to church if "Pastah" isn't there or if "Pastah" isn't preaching. The word and opinion of "Pastah" takes precedent over the word of God in many cases. Some of what "Pastah" says is personal opinion not validated by the word of God but actually holds more weight than what the Bible says. A personal relationship with God is not pursued, while recognition from and loyalty to "Pastah" is heavily sought after. If "Pastah" says to do something, oh, somebody makes sure it gets done! But when God gives directives, confirmation is needed before obedience. But "Pastah" is only a man, honey! He might be a man of God... but he is still just a man! The word comes from God.....not "Pastah"! Please don't get me wrong... the loyalty, love, respect, and reverence to pastors is necessary and appropriate. That's bible! (1 Thess 5:12-13, 1 Corin 9:14, Hebrews 13:17) They are (typically) anointed (wo)men of God, called to bring forth His word and God gives us discrete instruction on the level of respect they are afforded. But the church has a tendency to place them on a throne fit only for the King. This beloved, is idolatry. 

When Moses returned from Mt. Sinai speaking to God, he wore a veil on his face. (Exodus 34:34-35) Some theologians say he did this because God's glory shined so bright. But other theologians make a point that I believe is more accurate. Moses wore a veil because he did not want people to see him, He wanted them to focus on the word God. He covered himself so that he would not be a distraction to the word that God gave him to give. He wanted them to hear God, not see Moses. He was protecting the Israelites against making him an idol by ensuring God received the glory. My, my, my....  

The desire for marriage, companionship and relationships is also a very common form of idolatry. Let's be honest about these things, sis. I'll go first. I remember saying that I couldn't live without someone in particular. May have been a boyfriend, may have been my momma. But I've definitely said it. Maybe you didn't use those exact words. Maybe yours came out more like "I don't know what I would do without you." Mind you, we say that sometimes jokingly but think about it. I've also said that I didn't want to live the rest of my life single. I've been so driven before by the desire for a husband that it consumed my thoughts and influenced my actions. I mean, I have dated people that I thought about 24/7. Well, sis, that didn't leave much more time to think about Jesus. If you don't feel like you can live without something that God has given you or hasn't given you yet, then you are more focused on the creation than the Creator. Many people develop this type of infatuation over a child or a spouse. They come to love the gift from God, more than the God that gave the gift. Single Christian women who desire marriage are at risk of putting their desire for a husband over their desire for Jesus. It is easy to think about having a husband and allow it to drive your actions, thoughts, and motives. When we find our thoughts more occupied with this desire than that of pursuing the purpose that God has for our lives, then we have made the desire for a husband an idol. 

You and I would both openly say that money can't buy the most important things in life. We may not openly admit it but we can probably agree that money is the cause of much of life's stress. The desire for more, the need to have a certain amount to afford life's necessities and pleasures,the struggle to have it. The absence of money...being broke.... can cause enough strife and stress that we lose our faith in God. It can also cause us to compromise on the standard of holiness. We tend to forget that God is our provider and worry over the things that we are having a hard time affording. The lack of money robs so many of their peace and constant thoughts of it are certainly a distraction from God. The pursuit of money becomes more important that pursuing a relationship with God or trusting God as a provider. The security of having financial stability often drives people to hunger for more money and all the things it can buy. More money....more problems. The American obsession with money often supersedes our drive for a life that is pleasing to God in efforts to gain peace and salvation. Instead, the want is for the satisfying feeling that comes from the things money can buy, the opinion others have of those with money, and a lifestyle that is focused very little on glorifying God. Money is definitely an idol of many. Our generation is full of sad quotes that prove this point.

When any object or objective is sought more than the will of God or without regard for God's commandments, then idolatry is occurring. If there is anything that you think of more in a day than God, then idolatry is likely occurring. Remember the only way to repent is to recognize that we are sinning and admit to God so there is no need in hiding. Have you made god's of things and put more trust in them than the faith you have in God? If you lost your job would you trust God in guiding you and making a way or do you feel as though you couldn't make it if you lost your job? What if your spouse left you?   Is it your car that gets you to work safely or is it God? Do you believe God will make a way out of no way or do you feel like you can't make it if so and so doesn't help you out? What, my dear, are you worshiping? 

With love, 
-Kimyatta

Daily Prayer: God, please reveal those things in my heart that take the place of You. Forgive me for placing anything before You. Lord, I worship You because You are God, and God alone. Please send the Holy Spirit to teach me Your ways and correct me in the error of my own. 

Scripture to Study: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created trough him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 

Golden

The tabernacle... a tent, place of dwelling, or sanctuary. The Bible tells us that it was a sacred place where God chose to meet His people, the Israelites, while they aimlessly wandered around the desert for 40 years. The tabernacle would contain the Ark of the Covenant (the commandments) and it would be where the people would come together to worship God, offer sacrifices, and dwell in the Lord's presence. God gave Moses specific instructions on every aspect of the construction of the tabernacle. Sis, I'm talking about exactly how long the cloth would be used for curtains, what to use to dye them, what color they should be, and so on!! The directions were particular to EVERY ELEMENT of the tabernacle. God was so thorough in this revelation to Moses, that He even gifted certain men to build the tabernacle and told him where to get the resources from. (And we tend to doubt the details in His plan for our life??...but anyway.....)

A reoccurring element in the construction of the tabernacle was hammered gold. Gold was beaten into thin plates to be used as a covering for other elements of the tabernacle. It was fashioned into thin sheets and threaded into the garments worn by the high priest. The highly studied Lampstand which was the only source of light for the inner court of the tabernacle was made of gold. The two cherubim (the little angelic baby looking sculptures) that were to be placed on the altar were made of gold. A sacred bowl used for things such as the drink offering was also made of gold. But you see... in all of these directions sis, God was specific to point out that the gold was "hammered gold". Beaten gold. Wonder why? Maybe the hammering of gold made it easier to work with. Gold that is beaten can be shaped and formed into practically anything.

The gold used on God's altar, in order to be good enough... had to be beaten, molded, hammered, heated. The gold that has been commonly used as an adornment since the beginning of time is typically beaten, molded, hammered, heated. One of the characteristics of gold is that it is malleable. This means that it is capable of being hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking. It will bend, but not break. Its capable of changing forms and becoming something new. Gold maintains value because it is resistant to oxidative corrosion. It doesn't rust when exposed to the elements. When subjected to water and wind, it maintains strength and shine. It is also considered ductile or able to be deformed without losing toughness. The melting point of gold is very low, making it easily used but also requiring it to be reinforced if brought anywhere near heat. But gold is one thing that consistently maintains value. It's mined, sold, melted, reshaped, and reformed... and continues to be used. You see... those things that are golden are beautiful, decorative, versatile, and valuable. 

And you, my dear... are golden.

Surely you've wondered why it seems like the better you think you are doing, the harder times get. Or the closer you get to God, the more things start falling apart. Or maybe you've just wondered why you are going through hell? Its getting hot, ain't it? Well..... like the gold that God instructed to be used in the temple, we have to be hammered or beaten into a form that can be used. The beating process of gold makes it flexible. The more we go through, the more flexible we are because we know how things can change at any minute and in order to survive we must adapt. Succumbing to the struggles of life conditions us for the battles we may face in life. In order for God to use us, we have to be capable of being heated, beaten, molded, shaped, thinned out or worn thin. In order to present ourselves on the altar before God, we may have to take a beating.  But you see sis, gold is soooo strong and pure that it takes the beating and remains resilient. It doesn't lose worth and it is still very valuable. No matter what you put gold through, it still shines. 

I want God to make me into exactly what He needs in order for Him to use me. If this entails taking a beating, then I understand that like those things used in the tabernacle, I too can be used for the Kingdom! Don't give up. You may be beaten but you are not broken. A single bar of gold, after being beaten can be stretched over 50 yards without breaking. Gold that has been heated and processed is also more appealing to spectators. All that you have been through, will make your witness to others more relevant. Your testimony will be more appealing because the tests you have faced will equip you to relate to others. Consumers are more likely to purchase gold that has been shaped. Those things that we face that seem difficult are preparing us to be used by God. Recall that the melting point of gold is very low so it must be reinforced if brought anywhere near heat. Sis, during our struggles, when things start heating up, trust that God is near. He is reinforcing you. He said in His word that He would never leave nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6) 

Take pride in all that you have been through because if you went THROUGH it, that means that you came out. If you are facing difficult situations or things are heating up, don't lose faith in God because chances are He is closer now than ever. Job 23:10 says "But He knows, the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold."  Like a goldsmith, when things start to heat up, He is near so that He can mold you into whatever the situation is making you. Despite what you are going through or have been through, understand that God will and can use it for your good. SHINE, SIS! You're being molded for His purpose. 

With love, 
-Kimyatta

Daily Prayer: Lord, help me to stay strong in my time of struggles. I know that all things happen for the good of those that love You. Please make me new and make me into whatever I need to be so that you can use me. 

 Scripture to study: And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9

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