Worship vs Idolatry

As worshipers, we need to make no room in our hearts for idols. The Lord calls us to love Him and worship Him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

An idol can be defined as:

-an object of worship

-an image used as an object of worship

-a false god

-one that is adored, often blindly or excessively

-something visible but without substance

-the worship of a physical object as a god

-the immoderate devotion or attachment to something

Ex. 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me. [First Commandment]

Ex. 20:23 You shall not make gods of silver to be with me, nor shall you make for yourselves gods of gold.

Ex. 23:24 you shall not bow down to their gods nor serve them, nor do as they do

“make” - Idolatry is directed at manufactured objects.

“bow down” - Idolatry involves making symbolic gestures which honor the thing they are directed to.

“serve” - Idolatry is like serving someone (a master, a King).

1Kings 18 gives us the story of Elijah when he confronted the weak king Ahab, his wife Jezebel and the prophets of Baal. These were all a part of the idolatrous Amorite nation.

The Amorites may have come from the northern mountains beyond what is now modern Iraq or around the Caspian Sea. Their name comes from the god they worshiped. These were the most difficult nation for Israel to deal with - an evil and sinful people whose wickedness surpasses that of any other, and whose life was cut short on earth. They used black art, witchcraft and impure mysteries, by which they contaminated Israel.

When the children of Israel are summing up their victories (Josh. 24:18) they said, “And the LORD drove out from before us all the people, including the Amorites who dwelt in the land. We also will serve the LORD, for He is our God.”

The Amorites got special mention because they were so difficult to deal with, and they caused such trouble for Israel.

1Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

36 And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word.

 37 “Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”

 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.

 39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”

If God had permitted it, Satan could have sent fire to the altar of the false prophets. He would have done it to support the prophets of Baal and to bring confusion to God’s people. Satan has the power to make fire come down from heaven (Rev. 13:13-14). God would not allow the devil to do it, however, because the trial of his Divine title and supremacy was put to the test by all present.

We might think that we don’t have idols in our lives. We tend to think that idols are only for less “sophisticated” people than us…but…answer these questions, and you will see what captures your heart, and who, or what you worship:  

•  What is it that demands your utmost commitment?

•  What is it that you give the majority of your heart and effort to?

•  What is it that controls your behavior?

•  What is it that causes joy and sorrow in your life?

•  What is it that you want the most?

•  What do you do with your leisure time?

•  What do you think about the most?

•  What do you love the most?

•  What makes you laugh and cry?

•  What is the caliber of friends you surround yourself with?

•  How do you spend your money

•  Whom and what do you admire

Answer these questions honestly - they will show you who/what you worship.

It is possible to worship sports, people, money, TV, shopping, cars, music, art(s), work, substances - almost anything.

Tell me what you love and I will tell you what you are.

Arsène Houssaye