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As one considers the Old Testament narrative, one sinful act is predominately evident, idolatry. When consulting our bible dictionaries, we find that idolatry is “the worship of deity in a visible form, whether the images to which homage is paid are symbolical representations of the true God or of the false divinities which have been made the objects of worship in his stead.” (Smith Bible Dictionary) Simply put, idolatry is the worship of a man-made image which represents deity. Perhaps one of the best-known cases of Israel’s idolatry is the worship of the molded calf of Exodus 32. After Aaron fashioned the golden bovine, the people shouted, “This is your god O Israel!” (Ex. 32:4).
Now, fast-forward some three thousand plus years and consider the New Testament’s warnings of idolatry when applied to modern-day Christians. The message is very clear, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). As the Holy Spirit moved the Apostles into writing all truth (John 16:13), idol worship as described in the Old Testament was still prevalent in the cultures of that day. However, in the past two thousand years, the word “idolatry” has taken a major semantic shift and now not only means worshiping an image of some divinity, but includes an excessive, blind admiration and devotion to someone or something. Considering ourselves to be more civilized, Christians would never consider bowing down to a gold statue or wooden carving.
But the truth is, that modern-day idolatry is a real threat to the child of God and is a subtle weapon in Satan’s armory, often disguised as someone or something good. Many have named self-worth, family, friends, wealth, prosperity, career success, security, and patriotism as modern-day idols. All of which are not bad within themselves, but when taken in priority over our worship, loyalty, and service to God, become the true objects of our affection and the sin of idolatry. So how can we avoid modern-day idolatry? The Lord has given us the answer:
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37).
Jay Launius
Maud church of Christ
Maud, TX