“You shall have no other gods before Me.”
Exodus 20:3
God tells His people: You shall have NO other gods but ME!
This is the first of the ten commandments He gave His people when He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. Laws intended to ensure the freedom He secured for them.
The sinful practice of serving other gods is called idolatry.
IDOLS, IDOLATRY Man-made images or natural representations worshiped as deities; anything receiving worship other than the one true God. Idolatry is the spiritual worship of an idol.
Tyndale Bible Dictionary
We read about idols in the Bible — golden calves, ninety-foot tall statues, Asherah poles, and high places — man-made gods of wood and metal. In the context of our culture today, we think: That’s ridiculous! I have no problem with idols.
During a study on idolatry, God showed me how money — currency — is an idol very similar to those we read about in Scripture. A graven image made from metal printed on paper made of wood or coins made of not-so-precious metals. Suddenly I could see one of our culture’s favorite gods. One with eyes that can’t see, ears that can’t hear, and mouths that can’t speak.
Lately, within the last two years, He has gotten personal.
I can hardly believe the idols He revealed in my life. in my own heart.
Every idol revealed relates to at least one of what I believe are three core needs of every human being: COMFORT. SECURITY. WORTH.
For me, personally, because of specific heart-rending circumstances in my life, WINE (preferably a really nice bottle of Chardonnay) was revealed as what I sought for COMFORT. A temporary fix at best, but one whose presence and effect were accessible every evening.
The second god in my life, my HUSBAND. I was seeking from him SECURITY in so many different areas — keeping the house secure, driving safely, maintaining our home. I wanted him to know me and accept me just as I am, to value me and establish my WORTH through giving me gifts (at least in my estimation) reflecting his love for me and his intimate knowledge of my heart, mind, and soul.
God revealed these idols over the course of a year. So this past year, I’ve been surrendered to His work of weeding them out of my heart.
A long. slow. pain-full. process.
But one at this point I can say is worth it… even as I still find myself in the midst of working free.
What I’ve learned.
God is the only legitimate source to meet our core needs… really ALL our needs.
He is the God of all COMFORT.
He is our refuge and strength — the ultimate source of SECURITY.
His love for us alone establishes our WORTH.
Another lesson. What the world has to offer in the area of these three core needs are temporary in nature and turn into very harsh unrelenting gods.
Yes they are tempting. Whatever source of comfort, security, or worth you believe you are finding from the world will feel good for a moment. satisfy briefly. but it will not last.
God will not allow anything to take His place in your life.
Therefore, the comfort of wine (or any alcohol) comes with a hang-over and a greater need for more… and more… and more… to achieve the desired effect.
The security from a relationship will fail. No matter how much serving. manipulating. cajoling. nagging. arguing. you do to get what you think you need to establish your worth. they will let you down.
The last and most important lesson. When Believers pursue the idols of this world — wherever. whoever. whatever. — for COMFORT. SECURITY. WORTH. it makes us unable to keep the greatest commandment Jesus told us to follow.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 22:37-38 ESV
It’s clear how idolatry hinders our love for God. We are breaking the first rule of freedom: No other gods. But when we seek our core needs from anything or anyone other than God, we are so self-focused we cannot love anyone. Much less love others the same way we ourselves want to be loved — as in love your neighbor as yourself.
Whether our idol is a what or a who or a where, our focus is turned onto ourselves and what we believe will meet our needs. Using and pursuing things or people for our own comfort, security, and worth makes it impossible to have a loving relationship with those God has placed around us. Those we are to love with a Christ-centered love.
And yes. The comfort of wine is a quick fix. but fleeting.
The comfort God provides comes with a long road of obedience. trust. and faith-building exercises. It is slow in coming. BUT it is eternal. It will never leave you. It is not based on circumstances or emotions. It just is. And the same is true for establishing Him as your source of security and worth.
I wouldn’t have believed it myself if I hadn’t experienced it.
But I’m here to tell you another truth.
Idolatry is a common and deeply rooted sin in the life of every Believer.
If you haven’t yet learned to discern the idols in your heart? Do it today.
Ask Him to reveal the gods in your life.
Ask Him to guide you in weeding them out of your life.
I leave you with both a wisdom and a warning.
The Warning: If you don’t want to know… don’t ask.
The Wisdom: Ask! And be prepared to come into agreement with Him and be set free!
May the Lord bless you with a repentant spirit and a heart set on loving Him. Amen.
Carol
Suggested reading for more about idols: Isaiah 44:6-23.
Feature Image Photo by Riveen Manathunge on Unsplash
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