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."
With love,
-Kimyatta
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:
- Preachers (or Spiritual Leaders i.e. Evangelist, Ministers, etc.)
- Relationships, marriage, or companionship
- 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.
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?
-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
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