I had the opportunity to write an article for a magazine
titled “The Call” for our ministry in India. The magazine is meant to edify and
motivate church bodies in truth. It touched on a range of topics that may be
debated among the Christian community. The editor enjoys venturing into controversial
territory to challenge where the Bible stands on different social issues. I
felt to write an article comparing idolatry between the western and eastern
world…
“I am the Lord your God…You shall
have no other gods before me.” Anyone who has heard the Ten Commandments knows
that this is the very first instruction God put on the list. Time and time
again throughout the Bible God reminds us of His attitude toward this issue. He
does not tolerate idolatry. But what does idolatry look like? What does it
entail, exactly? Is it only the practice of worshipping statues, objects, and
the gods of other religions? (Who don’t actually exist…) These are certainly
the most blatant forms of idolatry. However, I would propose that this problem
reaches far beyond the act of bowing down before a graven image. There are less
obvious types of idolatry. Ways that we allow other substances or ideas to
sneak in, and become more important in our lives that God is.
We are told in James chapter one,
“Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, is dragged away and
enticed.” Humankind is naturally drawn to the desires of money, power,
recognition and fame, lust, and possessions. We strive towards these things in
our own lives, and admire those who have already obtained these things, or
offer them to us. In America, obsession with celebrities is a serious epidemic.
It is impossible to go anywhere without seeing a magazine cover or news heading
that tells of the latest developments in various celebrities’ personal lives.
American society focuses heavily on fame and fortune. Individuals will pick
favorite athletes, actors, musicians, etc. They will spend time learning about
them, and spend money to see them perform or support their careers.
While entertainment itself is not
evil, the problem occurs when it is such a main focus in our lives. This
problem is especially ugly in the church. Christians can fall into the trap of
celebrity worship along with the rest of society. But God says to us in Isaiah
46:5, “To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you
liken me that we may be compared?” By spending our time, thoughts, and
affections on worldly things, such as the entertainment industry, we are
comparing celebrities to God in our own lives. This is a huge problem that
creeps into many church bodies.
Placing a high value on money and
possessions is another form of idolatry. When we spend more time thinking about
how much we can spend on the next shopping spree, rather than on how we can use
the money that has been given to us toward the Kingdom, we have replaced God in
our lives with material things. When we place more worth in buying a new car
than we place in giving to God’s children in need, money and possessions have
become an idol. This is not to say that having money itself is evil. Money is a
blessing that we all need to continue existing. But, there is a reason that the
Bible points out that the love money is called “the root of all evil.” (1Tim.
6:10) There is something about having money that makes us want more. There is a
certain status that we take comfort in when we have money, and we easily fall
into the trap of rating our value according to the amount of stuff we have.
Jesus addressed the subject with
these words: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than
for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matt. 19:24) These are intense
words! Do you see the impossibility of holding tightly your earthly
possessions, and truly following Christ at the same time? We should enjoy our
blessings, and be deeply thankful for what we have. But, there needs to be an
understanding that everything here is temporary. This life is a vapor. The
things that we think we need will vanish, and the only thing that will remain
is our relationship with Jesus Christ.
So, take these thoughts as a
challenge. How are you using your resources? How do you view the possessions
that God has allowed into your life? What are your thoughts and feelings toward
tithing, and donating toward the growth of His Kingdom? When our thinking
begins to transform toward an eternal perspective, our priorities change
drastically. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what
God’s will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) This is the
ultimate goal, that we would increasingly see this world through God’s eyes.
For, it does not matter what you have placed as a “god” in your life. He will
have no other gods before Him.
