Have you noticed people are in a high pursuit after positions and material possessions, a.k.a. the “American Dream”? Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that—until those aspirations become their gods and are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish them. Sadly, some people are so captivated that they are willing to massacre their self-respect and sacrifice the well-being of others if it gets them what they’re going after. However, when they cross those lines, they have entered into idolatry.
Idolatry is described in the Bible as anything that we allow to take the place of God in our lives. With such a broad definition, everything can fall into that category; the determining factor is our attitude. Do we worship things? Are we jealous when others have what we want? Can we be happy for people who are living our dream? Can our lives be content without it?
A good thing can turn into an idol.
Sometimes it’s hard to know when our desires have become idols, especially when the things we are striving after are virtuous; therefore, we must ask the Holy Spirit to alert us when this insidious spirit of idolatry enters our lives. By faith, we must accept what the Spirit tells us; even if He says, not My will—let it go.
Gauge: Who gets most of your attention, God or things?
Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).
What does God mean we’re not to have other gods before Him? The word before in this context is not suggesting it’s okay to have other gods as long as we list El Shaddai, LORD Almighty first. Instead, it means God is the only God—Periodt!
Don’t be mesmerized by worldly junk.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)
The devil blinds us with the world’s sparkle and glamour. He peddles his junk to lure people off focus. Remember, he tried to use that ploy when Jesus was on His forty-day fast in the wilderness. (See Matthew 4:1-11.)
The enemy approached Jesus, showing Him all he would give Him if He would worship him.
And saith unto him [Jesus], All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me (verse 9).
But Jesus replied:
Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve (verse 10).
Are there any hidden idols in your life?
© 2021
See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.