American Idols
May 16th, 2007The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. . . . They worshiped idols, though the LORD had said, “You shall not do this.” (2 Kings 17:9-12)
The ancients believed that each country had its own god. These gods were limited by national boundaries. A country’s god was thought to control the prosperity of the people who worshiped them. To find favor with a god, the people had to worship and make sacrifices (external works).
We, on the other hand, do not believe in territorial gods. We believe in the one true God of the Bible. Yet, idolatry exists, even in our churches.
Whenever we stop relying on God we make idols out of what we start trusting. Whenever we become agenda-oriented, making non-essentials central, we serve the gods we have created. If we focus on church growth numbers to the exclusion of God, his ways, and the real needs of people, we have raised a new god.
Whenever we overrule God and his ways, we become idolaters. If we choose to be “in control,” we have become idolaters. Simply not trusting the living God means we have found another god to trust (see 1 Kings 18:20-40).
Our God is greater than our gods. He is worthy of trust. He alone is God.
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
