Wednesday, March 26, 2014

What Is An Idol?

What is an idol?  One Merriam-Webster definition for idol says, "a representation or symbol of an object of worship; broadly :  a false god."  I have heard people say the golden calf in Exodus 32 is an idol, but are there other more subtle idols in our lives?

If we believe that something has power greater than God, is that an idol?  If God is All Powerful, Omnipotent, Omniscient, and the only God of an Infinite Universe, where does any other power fit in? Do we lose the high significance of Omnipotence and All Power if we believe there is ANY other power greater than God?  And if we do believe that there is something with more power than God, is that as deadly to faith as pagan idolatry?

Do we have fear or faith?  If we fear something, does that something become an idol?  A sort of reverse faith, so to speak. Can we demonstrate our faith by using our little white stone, faith? Or do we believe that the thing we fear has a power greater than God?  Do we trust God completely?  Fear is the opposite of faith.

I used to think that wanting or having lots of money, or designer clothing, or expensive cars, or other trappings of success were today's idols, and they are for some people.  Now I know that my fear in ANYTHING deemed more powerful than God Almighty is probably as great an idol as any kind of idol money can buy.  The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. (Psalm 118:6If God is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)  

What are our idols?  Can we be real with ourselves?  Do we put things before God?  Have we become attached to our things?  Do we spend money we don't have or say yes to things we should be saying no to out of fear of what other people will think?  Do we agree to things we know we shouldn't?  Are we really any different than the people of Israel in Exodus 32?


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