Hot Topics: Idolatry

Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.

Acts 17:9 (ESV)

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.

Jonah 2:8 (ESV)

All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit

Isaiah 44:9 (ESV)

America is the unmatched mecca, the world’s capital of idolatry*, and through the miracle of media, we export it to the rest of the world.

But…

When film was in its earliest stages (the start of the 20th century), merchants knew the word “idol” wouldn't fly, especially to a Christian market. 

Because BOTH Christians and Jews have been taught… that the Lord they BOTH worship hates “idols”.

So ad men created cool new “labels”, while Idols grew flesh and became actors, who were carefully “molded” into stars.

The biggest stars were called “celebrities”, and media’s merchandisers got rich (as did the celebs with the largest crowds).

The result?

Countless millions of star-struck fans WORSHIP, follow, and copy their favorite stars. Their ticket sales, products, and endorsements… produce major wins for all key players, but major losses for wandering sheep… who are led further away from Jesus!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

How can you fight against idolatry without offending Entertainment “Kings”? Recall that Jesus did NOT offend Rome, because:

  1. Satan was the power behind Rome’s throne, so to Roman rulers, He was peaceful. (You, too, must walk as messengers of peace:)

  2. He followed rules and respected their “crowns”, because He was cast to rise on a Cross! (You, too, must rise on media’s platforms:)

That being said, here’s the rest of the plan:

  • You were chosen for such a time as this, so get in it and win it, like Esther.

  • Be a star, but refuse “celebrity”, including mansions and crowns, like Jesus.

  • In your rising and shining, fans (lost sheep) who follow you… will see WHO you follow!

Bottom line:

Idolatry is now celebrity. Therein, always pass the glory to God (and some of your “perks” to people in need).

Hot Topics: Idolatry (Part 38)

* Previous Devotions:

* American Idols (5-part series): https://careylewisdevotions.com/american-idols-part-1

* America's Shame (3-part series): https://careylewisdevotions.com/americas-shame-part-1-a-nation-in-bondage

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 be models of Jesus. 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!

Carey Arban