Modern Idolatry

“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.” (1
Corinthians 10:14)

It is easy to think that we don’t struggle with idolatry.
 After all, an idol is a statue of some
metal, sacred wood or expensive stone that you bow down to, isn’t it?  As
long as I don’t do that I’m okay, right?

In reality, idolatry goes much deeper than bowing down or
praying to a statue.  An idol is anything apart from God that we depend on
for fulfillment, security or happiness.  You might be an idolater if you get
so wrapped up in sports, for instance, that you live for them; they take priority
in your life.  Or maybe keeping your new
car washed and polished is keeping you away from your ministry.  And television is robbing you of Bible study
time.  Even putting your paycheck and
career before your family can become idolatry.

These things are not wrong in themselves, but it is easy
to fall victim to them.  They lure you into
more and more involvement until, before you know it, they are more important
than God.  That is idolatry.  And before you know it, you have a new god, a
new love and a new master.

So many things in life can be an idol.  It can be anything other than God that we
look to, set our hearts on, and find motivation from.  In short it is
anything that we pursue and trust more than God.

It is easy to wonder at God’s gifts to us, all the things
that He provides for us, whether it’s a relationship, a job, finances, future
plans, etc.  He has blessed us in more ways than we can ever
imagine.  And we know that everything good comes from Him. (James
1:17)  So it makes sense that we would
find enjoyment in all that God provides, right?  But the problem isn’t
when we enjoy God’s gifts, it is when we take it too far and seek to find our
hope and confidence in the gifts, not in the Giver.

This happened quite literally with the Israelites:

“The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we
spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes
away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses, “Make a
snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So
Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten
by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.” (Numbers 21:7-9)

This bronze serpent was created by Moses according to
God’s command to be a symbol to point the Children of Israel to God.  They
were to find their confidence in the LORD as their Healer.  However, the
bronze serpent became an idol to them, and the future generations of Israelites
(2 Kings 18:1-4), and had to be destroyed by King Hezekiah.  What began as
a blessing and gift from God, turned into something that took their focus away
from God entirely, as they looked to the statue for life instead of their
Creator.

We must be attentive to keep our eyes focused on Jesus.  As the author of Hebrews reminds us, “Let us
fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy
set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)   If we maintain the proper
focus, then we can enjoy the gifts that God has given, and yet realize that
nothing in this life can provide fulfillment, security, and happiness like God can. 

Are we giving first priority to the indwelling Life and
Love of the Lord Jesus Christ?  Or are we
allowing other interests to become a priority over loving Him with all our
heart, mind and soul?

Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you
to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.

Discover how you can find peace
with God.