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It can come in many forms
Wednesday, November 6, 2013 7:03
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What is idolatry?
The dictionary defines it as ‘the religious worship of idols’ and ‘excessive or blind adoration, reverence, devotion’.
As believers, we are called to flee from idols and from worshipping anything/anyone other than God.
‘You shall have no other gods before Me.’
- Exodus 20:3
‘Little children, guard yourselves from idols.’
- 1 John 5:21
‘Those who regard vain idols forsake their faithfulness.’
- Jonah 2:8
But what defines idol? What can become an idol to us? Pastor John MacArthur stated it well:
‘Idolatry does not begin with a sculptor’s hammer. It begins with the mind.’
Idolatry doesn’t necessarily have to be something physical. It can be something mental. It can be a feeling or a want. It can be the desire to get married. Or the need for a job. You could even idolize something as simple and common as work, friends or even family. The internet and/or TV are things commonly viewed as idols to many people. If you idolize something to the point of it taking up most of your thought life and investment of your time, you may want to rethink your priorities.
As Christians, there is only One who deserves all of our attention and praise. Only One who deserves the excessive adoration, reverence and devotion that we so freely give to other things, things of this world, things that are not eternal. It’s a daily struggle to turn our eyes away from the lusts and prides of life. But as soldiers in the battle against evil, it is our duty to stay focused on the prize, the goal ahead of us. Push aside the idols. Cut them to pieces if you must. Whatever gets in the way of you and God needs to go. Even if it takes painful measures.
It all boils down to: What is more important? The earthly idol you are serving or the eternal Three-in-One Godhead who created this world…and you?
—
‘Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and greed, which amounts to idolatry.’
- Colossians 3:5
Source: http://god-sdaughter.blogspot.com/2013/11/it-can-come-in-many-forms.html
