by Betty Jackson
The Lord God said in Exodus 20:2-3, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage before Me.” The Lord’s reminding the Israelites of his rescuing them from Egyptian slavery, causes one to recall how he did that.The miracles of the ten plagues were grand demonstrations of his power in contrast to the impotent Egyptian gods.They also declared his sovereignty and authority over the earth and its inhabitants. (See Ex. 7-14.) (cf.https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/563-israels-exodus-from-egypt .)
Because of who he is, our God commanded that they were not to have any other gods before him. Only he is worthy of worship. But who are these “other gods?” Are they living beings? The Bible describes these “gods” in Ps. 115:4-7, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but do not see. They have ears, but they do not hear; noses they have, but they do not smell. They have hands, but they do not handle; feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat…”
The Bible makes it clear that these gods were man-made idols. “For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols; but the Lord made the heavens” (1 Chron. 16:25-26).
It is a verifiable fact that human beings are generally worshiping creatures. Archaeological discoveries have shown that idolatry existed in earlier known civilizations.The relics of ancient Mesopotamia, otherwise known as the Cradle of Civilization, demonstrate that false gods were worshiped there.
Leaving the truth of God can lead to being seduced by the doctrines of false teachers (1 Tim. 4:1-2) or idolatry. The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans concerning the foolishness of worshiping images of creatures.Those who sink into that hole of darkness are without excuse because the evidence for the power and divinity of God is declared by the created universe and all that is in it (Rom. 1:20-26).
The Lord further instructed the Israelites, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them…” Sadly, they didn’t always obey that command. Like people of the ancient past, and the nations around them, they began to make and worship idols. The result was a spiral into deep, dark wickedness. Immorality and abuse of children as sacrifices to these false gods was common. Even Manasseh, one of the kings of Judah, sacrificed his sons by fire (2 Chron. 33:6). When one leaves biblical principals and the true God, evil can abound with debauchery.
Elijah, the prophet, challenged Jezebel’s so-called prophets of her god, Baal, to a contest. Elijah chided them saying why doesn’t Baal answer? Is he using the bathroom, on a vacation, or taking a nap!? Of course, the Lord won the contest (1 Kgs. 18:25-29). Why did Baal lose? Because he was a man-made idol.
What about idolatry today? It still exists in our world. In India, and other countries ancestors are worshiped. According to Hinduism animals have souls. The cow is considered a caretaker, and so beef is not eaten by strict Hindus.The Hindu religion celebrates many gods and goddesses. Pictured above is one of these.
There are people who worship the stars. For some, this resides in astrology. Astrology or divination (telling the future by the stars or planets) is invalid and condemned in the Bible (Isaiah 47:13-15). If astrology is able to reveal secrets, King Nebuchadnezzar’s astrologers could have helped him with his dream (which was given by the Lord). Instead, Daniel, by the power of God was able to tell the king his dream and interpret it. (See Daniel 2.) Others are involved with witchcraft, the occult, and even the worship of Satan. More wickedness cannot be found on the face of this earth than in Satanism. The abuse and self-indulgence by these wicked people cannot be described here.
But even those who may not slip into the sins associated with such things may be guilty of idolatry. Paul, the apostle, explained that covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5). What is covetousness? It is defined as excessive desire for what another has (wife, husband, property), or obsession with pursuing riches, power, popularity, loving possessions, or loving a person more than God. (cf. Matt. 19:16-22.) “Covetousness, therefore, is basic to the commandments against murder, adultery, stealing, and lying” (cf. https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/covetousness/.)
Let us beware! If we are more concerned with things of the earth (even things not intrinsically wrong) than setting our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2), we need to follow the example of the Christians of Thessalonica and turn to “God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9).
How can we keep ourselves free from idolatry? We must be aware that Satan is alive and aims to destroy us. However, we can resist him, and “he will flee” (James 4:7). He cannot overcome us against our will. He is powerful, but we have freedom of choice. When we choose to ignore the Lord, it is not Satan “making us” choose. There is due reward in hell for the devil and those who give him homage.
We need to have a deep faith in God. How can we do that? Have a good and honest heart (Lk. 8:15). “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God”(Rom.10:17). Study and obey the Holy Bible. Assemble with God’s people, as they faithfully carry out his plan for worship.
Jesus has the answer for avoiding idolatry: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk. 10:27).
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Note: Biblical references are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible (NKJV).
Suggested reading:
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/46-christianity-and-world-religions
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/997-1-thessalonians-1-9-conversion-a-turning-process
https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/458-a-realistic-look-at-sin
