“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
1 Cor. 10:14; NASB
The temptation to worship something other than God is a real part of Christian life. We might not think so, but we are always being tempted by some fleshly pleasure or desire. Once that pleasure becomes a regular desire, it can easily become an idol. Just before this verse, Paul stated, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). Temptations are familiar to all of us, because the devil constantly uses them to lure us away from our godly convictions. Yes, God will provide a way of escape. But when will He provide it? Just knowing of the provision should give us the endurance we need to get through the temptation in victory. The enemy will never stop trying to distract us from what is right before God. It is our job to resist the temptations and grow closer to God through the process.
Scripture states, “…each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:14-15). Lust is not only sexual in nature, although it is usually thought of that way. Lust is an intense desire, a strong craving, or even over-the-top enthusiasm. It can be the catalyst that begins the creation of an idol. One common form of idolatry is entertainment and all that goes with it. Watching TV shows, social media videos and postings, even sports (either participation or watching) can all become forms of idolatry. Movie and TV stars, social media influencers, music and sports stars have become idols for many in today’s society. Christians can also put pastors and other spiritual leaders on pedestals, with many of those leaders exploiting those positions. Any idol, whether carnal or spiritual, is wrong. It is in direct conflict with God’s most basic commandments.
Think about what you consider important in your life. Whose advice or opinions do you consider most important? What activities are you determined not to miss for any reason? Do you change anything in your life because of rants or powerful suggestions from certain personalities? It is quite easy for our enemy, the devil, to lure us away from God’s intent for our lives, using the things of this world as bait. We should look instead to God’s Word for our guidance. Decisions regarding our stances on societal issues begin with our doctrinal foundations. We will become overwhelmed with life if we do not have a solid foundation in Christ. When something or someone else threaten that foundation, it needs to be eliminated.
There is nothing more important in this world than our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It provides all we need to navigate through the challenges of this life, and provides safe passage into the next life, which is eternal. Daily prayer and Bible time will help you discern if something in your life is becoming an idol. Idolatry is easy to spot in others but can enter our own lives unnoticed if it is not called out by someone else. If someone you know who has a solid prayer life ever confronts you about this kind of thing in your life, please take it to prayer and consider it seriously. It is worth the time and consideration.
God bless and have a great week