The Sin of Human Idols
Lately, God has put it on my radar to notice how people idolize people. First, and foremost, this is against Commandment #1 of the Ten Commandments. Based on chronological order, it seems God felt this was the most IMPORTANT. You shall have NO other gods before me!” (Exodus 20:2-17) Idolizing people manifests in many forms: imitation, following, coveting, (wishing you were them or living their lives), and prioritizing them over things like reading the Holy Bible.
The most recent example that comes to mind is Taylor Swift (I have heard people praising and clamoring to be at her concerts, [spending unspeakable amounts of money] although there are MANY more other people trying to control your minds and futures!) is telling us Joe Biden is a good leader and we should follow him. Follow him where? To hell?
Now, her opinion means NOTHING to me, but it seems she has bamboozled many into listening to her. Really? Why? What makes Taylor Swift or any other celebrity, politician, or sports figure smarter than you? What makes them more interesting than God?? Why in the world (and in heaven's name) would you listen to any of them? Waste money before tithing to see them? I am completely baffled as I have NO HUMAN IDOLS! I can’t even imagine it! They are human! Sinners! Fallible! And to be honest, from what I have seen and heard, usually lead more sinful and problematic lives than the average “Joe.”
You are smart enough to look at the world around you and discern good from bad. If you are having difficulty with this, then talk to your Holy Spirit and pray…A LOT! The answers you seek, the truth you need all lie within you. Outside influences may just lead you down the proverbial “road to hell.”
Imitating people means mimicking their mannerisms, dress, and personality and following trends they set. It includes giving them an unacceptable influence on your thoughts, how you spend your money, and how you live your life. Money and power don’t make one better or smarter. Usually, it becomes a corruptive influence, making THE TRUTH fade into the background.
You must consider a few things before you let anyone influence you. Are they good, charitable people? Are they selfless rather than selfish? Do they spend their time improving humanity, rather than tearing down certain groups of people? Are they good parents? Are generous Christians with an attitude of servitude or are they serving themselves? Are they humble? Are you “under their influence” more than the influence of The Word of God? Are they self-sacrificing for positive/healing ideals or are they manifesting their own ideals and questionable morals into your life? These questions must be answered and when you answer them honestly, you will suddenly have full knowledge of why God tells us NOT to follow men and that each person can only serve one “master.” SERVE is the keyword!
Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
1 Corinthians 10:14 – “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.”
1 John 5:21 – “Dear children, keep yourself protected from idols.”
1 Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.”
Jonah 2:8 – “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them.”
Galatians 4:8 – “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.”
And last, but not least (Pay CLOSE ATTENTION):
Judges 4:10 - “Go and cry to the gods you have chosen! Let them save you when you are in trouble.”
So, why does God warn us about idols in the above, and so many other scriptures? Because they can quickly get us off track and far away from the wonderful plan and path He has for our lives. WE create most of our own problems because of our daily decisions. We respect people with money more than God who owns everything. We are short-sighted and definitely do not understand God if we think any person is greater, richer, smarter, more powerful, or more influential than our Lord and Savior.
The scriptures above tell us that the price we pay for idolizing anything or person over God is a cost we cannot afford! You forfeit His love, you become a slave to another person who is just as sinful (or more so) as you are, and you give up God’s attention to your prayers when you are crying out to Him for help.
Additionally, we are told to flee from idolatry which depicts a seriousness that requires our attention. Fleeing usually indicates removing yourself quickly from danger! And John speaks to us as children who need parental guidance and discipline. He urges us, in a fatherly manner, to protect ourselves from idols which depict the danger they present in our lives. Idols SEPARATE us from God which is the same as hell!!!!
In summary, too many people give other people far too much time, money, energy, thought, and attention than is healthy for our lives and souls. Each person has an opinion, and those people who use their time to persuade you to think as they do are MANIPULATING you into SIN! You can see, think, and ascertain situations for yourself. DO NOT consider others’ opinions as yours and adopt their way of thinking. Especially people who use their talent, (God-given gifts) charisma, power, and money to manipulate other people into their ways because the cost is far too high in regard to the safety of your soul and your relationship with God.
God is your Father, and as such has a vested interest in your well-being, health, and success. He loves you and doesn’t want to use you as a “dumb robotic tool” as a means to His end as do some humans. Do not be fooled. Do not be a fool. God has warned all of us…NO IDOLS. Not things and definitely not people! Pray, meditate on The Word, and for the sake of your quality of life and health of your body and soul, do not be a “sheeple” being led to slaughter…
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Love, hugs, and blessings, Lisa ><>