We would like to think as christians that we don't have idols. We look at non christians and can quickly pick out their idols that keep them from God. But, I'd like to go at this from a whole different angle. I studied the MyChurch verse of the day and God brought some things to my mind that we don't like to think about. I would love it, after you read this if you would add more!
2:8Those who regard vain idols Forsake their faithfulness.
Do we as christians have idols that we do not see as idols because we can say it's for the Lord or it's in the name of christianity?
Let me give you an example, myself. As a babe in Christ, I so wanted to be involved in everything in the church, everything. Committees, choir, solos, teaching classes and teaching children's choir. (I know you're gonna say that I had no business teaching and stuff being a babe in Christ, but I was raised in church, had the head knowledge, just didn't have Jesus in my heart). I spent all my time on these things, first it was all good, but then I realized I was worshipping the programs, the ministries....they were idols. Somewhere in the equation, God was left out. And my walk with Him began to falter, I didn't hear His voice anymore, because I was too caught up in the programs and ministries being a good christian.
Another example:
I've watched people leave churches and follow a pastor wherever he went. I've seen people and actually heard them say "If Pastor _____ said it, it's the gospel". I truly hope they were right, and that they checked whatever he was saying with God's word. I've seen people blog using some pastors word for word....and I sigh, because God gave us brains and words and alot of times the only time He's mentioned is in what that particular pastor says about him. Pastors can become idols, especially when we as christians fail to remember that they are human, and NOT infallible. The day I meet a perfect, all knowing, all powerful being that is never wrong is the day I know that Jesus has come back for me!
Now onto bigger things, literally. The church building. We can fall there also. It becomes "our" church, not God's. It can be the reason you choose a church, and heaven forbid it if someone tries to change something in that already perfect church.....the church will divide over it. Yes, christians can make an idol out of a church building.
Let's look at the definition of an idol:
\ˈī-dəl\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Middle English, from Anglo-French idle, from Late Latin idolum, from Greek eidōlon image, idol; akin to Greek eidos form — more at idyll
Date:
13th century
1: a representation or symbol of an object of worship ; broadly: a false god2 a: a likeness of somethingbobsolete:pretender, impostor3: a form or appearance visible but without substance <an enchanted phantom, a lifeless idol — P. B. Shelley>4: an object of extreme devotion <a movie idol> ; also:ideal 25: a false conception :fallacy
That really encompasses alot of things, doesn't it? Who would think that a false conception/fallacy could be an idol!!!!! So what is a fallacy exactly and what does it have to do with christianity?
Fallacy:
1 aobsolete:guile, trickeryb: deceptive appearance :deception2 a: a false or mistaken idea <popular fallacies>b: erroneous character :erroneousness3: an often plausible argument using false or invalid inference
There are many fallacies that claim the name of christianity. This is why the Bible, and that's MY gospel, tells me :
11:14 And no wonder, for even satan disguises himself as an angel of light11:15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds.
What gifts, talents, etc... do we have that can become our idols? Do our gifts become our bragging ground when those gifts are actually given to us by God for His glory. The gift, the talent becomes a negative thing if it becomes all about us and not God. It becomes an idol.
Powerful blog CindyLou and so full of TRUTH....You hit the nail right on the head my friend....There are a lot of idol out here that people have made and replaced THE LORD....You mentioned, Pastors, and unfortunately so many people have put their pastors up on a pedestal, as if he is somebody to be bowed down to and worshipped....They literally gluck down everything they say, without SEARCHING the Scriptures for themselves.....(Sighhhhh)....It just makes me want to cry......Idols.......Then there are the JOBS.....(working like slaves....but then too tired for God).....Our Children.......Spouses.....Homes......and let's not talk about the brand NEW cars....ALL can become idols....If they take YOUR time away from God........Commandment # 1...
MarJay: Amen sis! We tend to want to think as long as it's got God's name in it......then it's all good.......and that's not always the case. God's name can be there, but we take the purpose of it and distort it and turn it into an idol.
Thank you for this:
God is indeed a JEALOUS God..and He hasn't changed.
Amen to your blog and Mar Jay's comments, all of which I agree with. It is difficult but necessary that we keep our balance in our responsibilities and God's place over them. A harder lesson for some of us.
big bone to chew on sister.. Well Spoken and one thing people need to see it can be easy walk into thinking it not idol, and that walk goes to danger zone cause it added up as we follow it..without God approve it first.. I have done my share walking in that path and not realizing it was wrong, Thank God my eyes open and got straighten out, took me awhile and it was worth of a battle to get on the right track..alots of cleaning for over the years of bad habit .. and yet it takes a few second to acknowledge it an idol and ask forgiveness right then there..
Wanna forfeit grace? Cling to idols, instead of trusting in God! (Jonah 2:8)
I admit, my children can be a bit of an idol sometimes. Frankly, lots of things have the potential to take my attention away from God, if I'm not careful. Not as many things as before, and probably even less in the future, given that my maturing in the faith is an ongoing process. I also think that if we're honest, we'll see that we are all idolaters from time to time. Given how Jesus revealed the spirit of the law in referring to those who are angry at someone as being "murderers", and those who lust as being "adulterers", I can see the same lesson applied to idolatry.
Like you and others have pointed out though, I also see gross idolatry in the way ppl worship church bldgs, or their pastor, or even the new president, or their political party(!), their favorite tv show, their music collection, food, etc. The world is FULL of idols! (or...potential idols!)
mstovall: Amen, God supplies our needs! That doesn't mean that He's gonna give me a brand new pearl white Denali just because I WANT it.......He supplies my needs.
When Ken and I had to use all his 401K to live, I told him that I should write a book about how people should look at their SS statements and learn to live on what they would draw if they became disabled, because that is something that can happen at any age! Pensions and stuff like that don't last forever and you can't take it with you :)
Well Lord, what do you think of this one? I think she is starting to get it if you ask me Lord. I'm sure you will be keeping an eye on this one. She is a deadly weapon in your hands.
Well Cindy, no need to add any more to my dialogue. Heaven will be keeping an eye on you as you continue to seek the Lord's face. My bible tells me that if you keep seeking something you are evenetually going to find it. When you do you will never be the same again.
Joyful: I agree, it's very difficult....but one thing I've personally noticed in our home, it's when God has to take it all away from us to get us where He wants us, we quickly get back on the right track. See, when it's all going good, we get the mindset that it has to be good in God's eyes.....when that's not always true :(
Shelley Tater: I know what you say, I've walked down many paths thinking it was God, because it was good and maybe even when I started out on that path it was God......but I took it away from Him and made it mine or I listened to someone other than Him and believed them instead of Him.
Mike: I think most of us tend to do that with our children, LOL
God has blessed us with alot....freedom to worship, churches, bibles, and men who really speak God's word and He gave us gifts. Yet, WE can take each one of those and turn it into an idol, forgetting that He is the ONLY one who deserves our reverance and devotion because in actuality EVERYTHING is His!
Great blog!! Many people do think that they should seek the "wisdom" of a pastor, or other higher member of the church and take it as "Gospel" so toi speak. We need good teachers. However, we MUST use our own minds and check them out for ourselves. NEVER take the word of any man, woman as pure truth. Only God has the perfect Word. I use the help of many items to understand His Word and decide if I heard corectly. If any persons preaching lines up with the Word of God, I know I have learned something. Yet, I will ALWAYS check out what that person says the next time. Apostates can be ver tricky. Now, ALL should check out what I just implied to be sure, if you are smart.
There are many differnent kinds of idols. sports, rock stars, movie stars. Even your car can become an idol if you let it comme before the Word of God. God bless!!
Follow this blog
