The apostle Paul wrote to believers in Yahshua, “You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to dumb idols” (1 Corinthians 12:2, NIV). ‘Somehow or other’ caught my attention, and I paused, with a smile, thinking it was cute. However, as I mused on the verse, I began to wonder if it were possible that believers could be ‘influenced and led astray to dumb idols’. The apostle John was very direct about it. “Dear children,” he wrote, “keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21, italics added). In this high-tech 21st century, are we too sophisticated to even consider this a possibility?
What is a ‘dumb idol’? When these two men were writing, pagan gods and animals of every kind were crafted of wood, stone, silver or gold, and worshipped purposefully and passionately. The ancient songwriter describes them skilfully! “But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats” (Psalm 115:4-7). These mute things demanded time and attention from their worshippers.
Mute things still demand time and attention! Our modern world worships at the feet of the most up-to-date gadget, the most popular brands, the latest fashion. It becomes obsessed with possessions, position, technology, sport, music, cars, designer labels. It idolises pop stars, actors, sports personalities. Do you get influenced? How do you spend your time? What occupies your thoughts? Is there a substitute engaging first place in your life? Anything or anyone occupying the place in our hearts due to Yahweh is in danger of being an idol.
A.W. Tozer offers a serious, cautionary word: “Let us beware lest we in our pride accept the erroneous notion that idolatry consists only of kneeling before visible objects of adoration, and that civilised peoples are therefore free from it…The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about [Yahweh] that are unworthy of Him.”
It’s imperative to give Yahweh prime position!
Photo by Alex Bracken on Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/photography-of-people-gathering-near-outdoor-during-nighttime-y4MgW_OGQ28
This Is My Friend!Blessed is the person who places his confidence in Yahweh and does not rely on arrogant people or those who follow lies.
Psalm 40:4, Names of God Bible
No matter what happens to us in this life, the word of [Yahweh] tells us that [Yahweh] is for us, not against us.
Donna Kazenske
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