American Idols

Acts 17:16 (KJV)

Now while Paul waited for them in Athens his spirit, was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

Should our “spirits” be stirred when we see people living day-by-day as if God does not exist? Perhaps the question we should begin with is what is an Idol? The biblical answer is anything that takes the focus off of God. The Bible is clear we are forbidden to idolize anything. The definition of idolize is to value something more than God.

Deuteronomy 4:15-16 (GN)

For your own good…don’t sin by making an idol in any form at all.

What are the consequences if we ignore this passage?

1)      Idols will disappoint you

Jeremiah 10:14 (GN)

…those who make idols are disillusioned because the gods they make are false and lifeless.

2)      Idols will dominate you

1 Corinthians 12:2 (GN)

“…(before you knew Christ) you were controlled by dead idols, who always led you astray.

3)      Idols will deform you

Psalms 115:8 (GN)

Those who make idols will become like them, and so will those who trust them.

I have seen it happen over and over as a pastor, someone believes that this thing, this position, this person, this possession will make them happy. But in the end they are disappointed and not only that but they find that they do not control it, it controls them. This job has dominated their life, this habit has taken on a life of its own and they have become something they never intended on being. Yes our “spirits” should be stirred here in America today as Paul’s was in Athens, because our society sadly enough has wholly given itself to idols and the masses are disappointed, dominated and deformed.