IS IDOLATRY ALIVE AND WELL IN THE 21ST CENTURY?

IS IDOLATRY ALIVE AND WELL IN THE 21^ST CENTURY?

 The first commandment in The Decalogue is God’s requirement that we have no other gods before Him.  Even though polytheism is not overtly practiced to the degree that it once was, it exists in a variety of forms today.

 While ancient Israel was required to avoid Baal worship, which featured drunkenness and ritual prostitution, we 21^st century folks have a pantheon of false gods that we serve.  James Packer, in “Your Father Loves You,” frames our spiritual challenge this way: “For us there are still the great gods of sex, shekels, and stomach (an unholy trinity consisting of one god: self).  Another enslaving trio is pleasure, possessions, and position, whose worship is described in the Word as “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.” (I John 2:16)  Football, the firm, and the family are gods for some.  Indeed the list is endless, for anything man allows to run his life becomes his god.”

 Augustine, an African bishop in the early church, summed this up rather uniquely.  “Idolatry” he wrote, “is worshiping anything that ought to be used, or using anything that ought to be worshiped.”

 By any definition, idolatry is rampant in America.  It includes an unchecked passion and pursuit of materialism, sensuality, leisure, self-development and New Age thinking – all of which can distance us from our created purpose at lightning speeds.  Unfortunately, even a substantial segment of the institutional church has fallen prey to the subtle and hypnotic sirens of idolatry.  Many clergy have become more focused (or should I say obsessed?) with rising in the church hierarchy, obtaining elevated titles and donning liturgical vestments, than they are dedicated to embracing Kingdom mindsets as servant-leaders whose principal task is to fulfill The Great Commission.  Laity alike are subject to acquiring symptoms of this carnal dis-ease, what I call ‘The Elevation Syndrome.’

 Might I propose a practical rule of thumb for collective and individual self-evaluation?  Draw a line vertically in the middle of a sheet of paper.  On the left, list the things that you truly love and yearn for in this life, things that float your boat, things that turn you on and motivate some course of action.  On the left, list the scriptural priorities that God has ordained and ordered.  Be transparent and honest in your evaluation.  What do you truly love?  What do you hold in high esteem, or perhaps even worship?

 I did it, and it works.  Don’t be hesitant to try.  It’s a real eye-opening experience – perhaps an affirmative step toward your spiritual transformation or renewal.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!