Forthright Fixation

Idolatry. We all know what it is and what it does. It’s a deadly disease of the heart that leads to our lives being consumed by something other than God. It’s a plague that pushes Christ to the back burner of our souls. It’s sin.

Idolatry is nothing new. It’s been around forever. You can read countless stories in the Old Testament of how Israel frequently turned to the idols of the land where they were living. The most widely-known story of Israel’s idolatry can be found in Exodus 32. The Israelites had hardly even come out of Egypt, where God had worked miracles right before their eyes, before they turned to an idol made of their own hands.

Just as in Old Testament times so does idolatry rage today. If it isn’t a movie star being adored, it’s a material possession being worshipped. If it isn’t a possession, it’s a fashion trend, or radio show, or gossip magazine. Idolatry can even be other books that are read in place of the Bible, perhaps intentionally or not. It can be the authority we give to Christian authors over the authority God and His Word have. Idolatry’s anything that detracts from total devotion to God and His glory.

While recently reading Psalm 106 verse 20 almost made me laugh:

“They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass.”

While that isn’t exactly funny, I wanted to laugh at the folly of idolatry that this verse clearly exposed. After reading this, I found myself asking, “What do I exchange the glory of God for?” For me, it’s sometimes my own wishes that keep me from following the will of God, or sometimes I sacrifice time reading my Bible for blog posts and emails. In light of eternity these reasons sound silly. I have the glorious hope of spending eternity with Christ in paradise yet here I am on earth wrapped up with myself and grumbling when things don’t quite go my way. I don’t know about you but it makes me feel really lame.

Despite my lameness, however, God is always merciful and faithful to forgive my ever-sinning heart. He moves me, refines me and changes me. He always draws me back to Himself while teaching and instructing me in the way I should go, even after I’ve wandered far from Him. He guides me with His loving hand and reminds me of how His name ought to always be praised above ever other name. He is worthy of all glory and honor. Not me or some worthless object – not ever. I am but dust. But my Heavenly Father is from everlasting to everlasting. The Alpha and Omega. The First and the Last.

Filed under: Eternity, God's Glory, Joy in Christ, Knowing God, Satisfied