Acts 7:41: And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
My first thought when reading this was, “People don’t make idols anymore like they did back in those days.” But then I really started thinking about this, a lot – and began to see idolatry in a new way.
Leviticus 26:1: “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.”
I take away several things from this verse, but the main one is this. “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image…” This implies that not all idols are a graven image or image of stone. Therefore I had to ask myself, what kind of idols is it talking about then? Are there things that I sacrifice too much time to, when I should be giving it to God? It can be anything that is put before God. The tricky thing is, there isn’t anything wrong with these examples in normal circumstances: television, social media, money, computer games, food, etc. But they can become problems if they become idols. If they are made into idols.
This certainly put a new perspective on things.
A couple of days ago, my Internet went out for 10 hours, and I was a wreck. How would I talk to my friends? How would I check my email? How would I check who has posted on WordPress? How would I do research for my novel? I was much more frantic than I should have been, and in every activity I tried to immerse myself in, my thoughts came back to it.
Why couldn’t I think about Jesus this much?
I cringed inwardly and was so convicted.
I knew I really enjoyed being online, but I hadn’t realized how much of an idol it had become, getting in the way of studying the Bible and being with family.
First Corinthians 10:14: Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
I’m also reminded of Daniel 3:16-18, where Nebuchadnezzar decreed that all would worship the golden image: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”
They were thrown into a fiery furnace that was heated seven times hotter than usual (Daniel 3:19) because they refused to bow down to an idol. They didn’t fear burning or dying for their God. (Even though He saved them, they didn’t know that before going in.)
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)
I have to ask myself… if I was there with the three of them that day, would I have done the same thing they did? I’d like to think so, but then the conviction hits… when faced with a similar scenario of an idol without an image or a face, would I do the same thing?
They can creep in without us realizing it sometimes, and once they are seen for what they are, they cannot remain. The graven image has to fall. With that being said, I’m going to take a short blogging break to chop down the idol. I plan to return at the end of the month with poems, photos, a Liebster Award acceptance post, and more if things go well. 🙂 Jesus must be the only God in my life, for He is King of kings, Lord of lords, and God of gods.
I’ll miss you guys! I love you all, and I hope that you have a lovely October! ❤
Following Him,
Grace 🌸
P.S.: I don’t know what the little black wooden figure is supposed to be; I got it at a flea market many years ago (it was in a big box labeled “free”) when I was in my dark Gothic phase, and at the time I thought it was really cool. Now I find it to be really creepy. I am curious about what it is, and what it represents, but there’s another part of me that is unsure of if I want to know… But I thought it might make a good “idol” for this post, anyway. 😅
I really like how you talked about this. Idols has been something pressed on my heart as well. And it is something we need to be aware of!
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Thanks! 😊
❤
I agree; we do need to be aware of them.
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Yes, idols could be in a physical form or abstract form. I know what you mean. Okay, you’ll take a break from blogging. You can start this challenge anytime. No hurry, no pressure!!
https://theshowerofblessings.wordpress.com/2017/10/09/seven-days-seven-bw-photos-challenge-2/
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🙂 And the break is over!
Thank you for thinking of me! I’m picking out some B&W photos and converting other color photos to B&W in preparation. I look forward to doing this so much! 😊
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I’ll look for your posts!
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I dunno, but I’d get rid of it if I were you. Sometimes such things bring curses into your life unaware. I say this based on experience. Just my personal opinion.
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Oh wow. I will definitely think about getting rid of it. Thanks for bringing this up! 🙂
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Hello Grace,
I was just in Columbus for a OSU rally for the Band. It was kind of creepy that we were standing up and sitting down so much for a game. I felt like I was at church for a commissioning of missionaries or clergy! Then it hit me the team is an idol for some of the people. Yes, it has been a while for me to be around that many people for a game.
Idols are not just made by hands, but also by our choice in mind. Things, people, sports, music, ideas, politics, and so much more, the human need to worship something is deeply ingrained in all of us. So much so we will choose most anything to take that need and sooth it a bit. In fact we will pick multiple things by seasons or timeslots it does not matter as long as we have something to worship at the moment.
Great post Grace keep up the good work. It sure seems to run a great path as you walk with God.
Denny
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Oh wow! 😳
That is true; I didn’t think about all of those becoming an idol, but you’re right.
“In fact we will pick multiple things by seasons or timeslots it does not matter as long as we have something to worship at the moment.” Oh man, have I ever been there before. And of course, none of them ever satisfy. Nothing can replace God!
Thank you! ❤
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Welcome Back Grace! Missed you and your kind interaction. I look forward to your posts.
Denny
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Thank you! 😊 I’m glad to be back! I’ve missed you and your thoughtful comments too. 🙂
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I’ve been about the same thing. We’ll see what the future holds.
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🙂 ❤
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I hope you have a lovely Spirit filled break. ❤
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Thank you so much! ❤ I had a good break. Also discovered how easily another idol can pop up after one is chopped down, like a twisted version of whack-a-mole. 😜
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Glad to have you back! 🙂
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❤
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Grace, take all the time that you need and may it be a blessing. ❤
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Thank you for the encouragement! ❤ It has been a blessing, but it’s nice to be back!
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I’m happy to hear that your little hiatus has been a blessing & I’m also happy to have you back! 🙂
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😊 ❤
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You must be taking a break still. I challenge you on my 3rd day. Hope you can take care of getting rid of the sculpture soon! Best wishes!
https://theshowerofblessings.wordpress.com/2017/10/10/seven-days-seven-bw-photos-challenge-3/
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I was; but I’m back now! Thank you! ❤ Best wishes to you too!
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Thank you so much!
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You’re so right. Idols can represent more than just hand made things. It would probably be good to get rid of that thing. It’s also good to take a break from social media. Take care.
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🙂
Yes, whatever it is, it probably needs to go.
That’s true. I’m actually not on social media, unless you count WordPress.
You take care too! ❤
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Hi! I just found you… i know you areon break, but I like your “voice” and what you have to say. So, I’m going to follow so I’m ready to “hear” more when you return.😊
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Hi! Glad to meet you! 😊 Thank you for the kind words, and thank you for the follow! ❤
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