Back in the biblical day, idols referred to large golden statues like a bull or calf or other gods. Such as buddhas that people worshipped, instead of the one true God. That culture in scripture doesn’t really apply to us now. In our modern-day, it is easy for us believers to think,” I don’t have idols and there is nothing I worship besides Jesus.”
Idols of Today
The Holy Spirit spoke to me as I was reading about idols in Deuteronomy 5:8-10. He began to show me that modern-day idols might look harmless but they are just as destructive. For example, our addictions to social media, tv, money, shopping and relationships. Even our desires can very easily become idols in our life.
It is important to recognize that idols can be “good” things that we’ve made “ultimate” things. What is an idol? Anything that consumes us. Anything we look to for greater fulfillment than God. Anything that takes the rightful place of God at the center of our lives.
You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth below. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.” -Deut. 5:8-10
So how can we recognize these idols, and get rid of them? Glad you asked! Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any idols of your heart, and be sensitive to the Spirit as you read His word. As the spirit reveals things, acknowledges them before God (confession) and surrender everything to Jesus (repentance).
designed by: Leah Marie Carson
You and I must be aware that our idols today can rear their heads in various forms. Idols of the heart can also be pride, lust, dishonesty, doubt. Let us be sensitive and mindful, keeping our lives free and our hearts clean of those sweet-talking idols.
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