No Substitute For God

For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. 1 Thessalonians 1:9

What is an idol? An idol is anything that takes the focus off God. An idol may not be limited to a religious object found in a pagan temple, an idol is anything that you value more than God Himself. Many people park their “idols” in their garages. Some dock their “idols” at marina centers. Others put their “idols” in their safe deposit boxes.

During the times of the Bible, there were three primary idols the ancient people worshiped: Baal, which is the god of sex; Mammon, which is the god of money; and Molech, which is the god of violence. While we may no longer venerate statues of Baal, Mammon and Molech in our bedrooms, isn’t it ironical that we still pay millions of dollars going to the cinemas to watch enactments of sex, greed and violence?

There are three dangers of having idols in your life:

(1) Idols will damage you. Idolatry weakens you morally. At least 10 times in the Bible, idolatry is linked to sexual immorality, fornication and lust. It is really spiritual adultery. Romans 1:22-23 says, “Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” Isn’t that silly? Worshiping the created rather than the Creator Himself? Unfortunately, idolatry messes up the moral compass of a person. You end up worshiping money instead of the God who owns all the money. You worship power instead of the God who is all powerful. You worship knowledge instead of the God of all knowledge.

(2) Idols will deceive and dominate you. Idolatry opens you up to demonic deception. It can’t help you. Instead, it makes you dull-hearted toward God and foolish in your daily living (Jer. 10:8). Life becomes worthless and meaningless. Anything you love more than God often ends up as an obsession or addiction. It will eventually ruin your life.

(3) Idols will deform you. Instead of conforming to the beautiful nature of God Himself, you will inevitably end up like the idols you worship. Psalm 135:15-18 says, “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak;
eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them.” Whatever and whoever you worship, you will end up exactly like that object of your affection. You serve a “living and true God.” Don’t settle for anything less. Don’t substitute anything false for the real. Love and worship God alone.