An “idol” is an object of worship other than the LORD almighty. Let’s face it, most of us, even the ardently religious, have taken a sneak peek at American Idol to see what type of talent is trying to get on the show and which ones really have been gifted with great sounding voices. Don’t feel like you’ve sinned and must repent for watching the talent show, unless you looked at the show, judges, or contestants in a manner that make them your object(s) of worship. You should repent and re-prioritize your affections and activity schedule if you have placed them above the priority of worshipping the LORD Jesus, to the point that you would forsake personal devotion times with Him, evangelism, and disciple-making. For then, they would truly be an idol that replaces Him and His will for your life.
Any activity or ideology could become idol when placed above the desire for intimacy with Him. The bible instructs you to avoid and/or eliminate such idols from your life. He is not concerned with whether you watch a television program that uses the word “idol.” For your good, He simply does not want you to make anything other than Him your object of worship. He knows you will be hurt when you make idols of money, careers, positions, power, relationships, deeds, animals, statues, and ideologies. He wants us to get many of these things but in the right context and for the right use that they would glorify Him and bless others.
You must constantly be vigilant in making sure your adoration of these things and attention to them has not been elevated above time spent with the Lord and the local Church body. Otherwise, they will push aside your immediate obedience to all He commanded. When this happens, you suffer even if you don’t immediately recognize it or see the effects. Many people dismiss the consequences of idol worship because they don’t show up immediately. Yet, the bible is emphatic about the fact that worshipping idols brings destruction upon you. While that destruction may not be seen or felt immediately and it’s possible it may not be felt while you live upon the earth, the bible assures you that God will bring everlasting judgment and punishment against un-repented idolatry.
You do not want to be judged in eternity for failure to make the Lord, His ways, and His work your utmost priority because then punishment is forever. I would much rather be shown the error of my ways while on earth, so I can turn from them and be all I was created to be in Christ Jesus, making sure that my focus always stays upon Him. I feel the same way when it comes to money and the financial area of my life. Each of us are going to have some of it and some people will have more than others. While we can all prosper greatly to fulfill God’s plan for our lives in conjunction with the building of His kingdom in the hearts of men, you should never put so much of a focus on money or getting more of it that you make it an idol.
It is useful for providing for needs and taking care of many areas in your life, however your primary aim should always be to develop a deeper relationship with the LORD. From this desire, the Holy Spirit will empower you to adhere to biblical principles that free you from spiritual and financial bondage and bring abundant blessing and reward into your life.
Please pray for this ministry and email me with any questions. May the LORD bless you richly as you follow His plan!
Exodus 20:4, Deuteronomy 5:9, Joshua 24:14, Acts 17:30, Romans 1:22-23
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