Idols

I have some carvings that I brought from Africa back in 1980. They are simply carvings of an African man. I have never thought about how that is pretty much how ancient idol worship works. In the days of idol worship, they people worshiped the hand carved or man-made idol. I don’t really get that because I’ve grown up knowing the Lord my whole life. I’m known people who will argue with a fence post and I believe worshipping a carving is just as productive. The Lord really detests the idol worship that had crept in among His people. Check this out…

18 ‘Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman?

    Or an image that teaches lies?

For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation;

    he makes idols that cannot speak.

19 Woe to him who says to wood, “Come to life!”

    Or to lifeless stone, “Wake up!”

Can it give guidance?

    It is covered with gold and silver;

    there is no breath in it.’

20 The Lord is in his holy temple;

    let all the earth be silent before him. (Habakkuk 2:18-20 NIV)

When I hear the term “idols” today I don’t give much thought because they have never been something that attracts my attention. The term idols can be used to describe other “gods” as well – gods that are not touchable or tangible. I’m speaking of “idols of the heart”. I believe that my struggle is not with carved images – it is getting what I want when I want it. I believe that there are all sorts of cravings that can be idols of my heart. For example: my bank account, my appearance, my image, my popularity, my talent – the list could go on and on. I really believe that the Lord wants me to surrender the idols of my heart to Him. He is the One who molds me and shapes me into who He wants me to be. My role is surrender to Him.

Carvings and cravings are both in opposition to the Lord. He is fully alive and knows me fully. He created me. He wired me. He wants to have a deeply honest and wholesome relationship with me. I don’t need the distractions of idols to get in the way.

Pressing On!

Dwayne