APP: American Idol seems light years away from a group of primitive people in a far-off land bowing down to stone idols. But there is a connection. Idols are people and things that we give excessive admiration, worship, or devotion to. They don’t have to be primitive man-made objects you’d find on a remote island.
Who or what are you worshipping? We make idols out of people like athletes, actors, singers—anyone who can influence another person. Sometimes we make idols out of friends, relationships, and even ourselves. We can also make idols out of normal everyday objects like our smart phones, iPads, or cars. Or for us it could be popularity, power, or money. All of these people and things are not necessarily bad unless they have captured our hearts in an unhealthy way.
The danger comes when we allow anyone or anything to come between us and God. It’s good to have dreams of what we want to be and achieve, unless we leave God totally out of the picture. Who or what does your heart belong to? Have you allowed someone or something to come between you and your relationship with God? Check your life for idols that may need to be removed.
Children, you must stay away from idols.
1 JOHN 5:21 CEV
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
EXODUS 20:3 NIV
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ”
MATTHEW 4:10 NIV
“I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.”
ISAIAH 42:8 NLT
Everyone who worships idols as though they were gods will be terribly ashamed.
ISAIAH 42:17 CEV
How foolish are those who manufacture idols. These prized objects are really worthless. The people who worship idols don’t know this, so they are all put to shame.
ISAIAH 44:9 NLT
“Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.”
LEVITICUS 19:4 NIV