Love… Is NOT Idolatry
Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images…
Romans 1:22-23 (ESV)
Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.
Jonah 2:8 (NIV)
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them.
Psalm 135:15-18 (ESV)
Idolatry is neither love nor lust. Idolators aren’t trying to acquire. They're seeking someone (or thing) to worship.
I believe people were made to worship, 'To the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory' (Ephesians 1:12).
I believe our comparison to sheep is accurate. People are followers. Even our leaders are followers: God or not, whether they know it or not.
They may lead fifties, hundreds, or millions, but no world leader is the King of kings.
Therefore, if humans are naturally inclined to worship someone or something (like a goal, culture, or value system)... the key questions we all should answer are…
Who (or what) are we worshipping, and WHY?
If it's celebrities, politicians, entertainment, possessions, positions, education, beauty, or even strength, we're in danger. None of them can save us.
While many leaders and companies profit from our passionate allegiance, idols are blind, deaf, and dumb to our cries.
If we think the people we see in church are free from idolatry, we think wrong. False prophets were a serious problem throughout both Testaments of the Bible, and certainly, they’re among us today.
How can we know them? ‘You will know them by their fruits’ (Matthew 7:16). A preacher’s “fruit” must include his lifestyle. Note that Jesus modeled simplicity, humility, and sacrificed himself.
Hard truth: To know whether leaders are true Christians, you need to know the Bible for yourself. Sweet smiles, words, and songs CAN BE misleading.
Hard fact: America exports idolatry and media “crowns” idolatry’s kings. Nevertheless, your Father allowed it, and we can use it for His purposes.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
‘Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves’ (2 Corinthians 13:5).
‘Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup’ (1 Corinthians 11:28).
I’m confident of your sincerity and simplicity of heart and purpose. Make sure you’re similarly confident of any Christian you choose to follow.
Love… Is NOT Idolatry (Part 5)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to models of Jesus, and we all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!