In what ways can we avoid modern forms of idolatry today? A Timeless Warning from Jeremiah 48:35 “‘I will bring to an end in Moab,’ declares the LORD, ‘those who burn offerings on the high places and the one who offers sacrifice to his gods.’” God’s judgment fell on Moab because its people gave their devotion to false gods. That same jealousy for undivided worship speaks to us today. What Idolatry Looked Like Then • Physical altars on “high places” • Crafted images representing local deities • Regular, costly sacrifices to win favor from powers other than the living God Recognizing Today’s High Places Idolatry is anything—good or bad—that displaces God’s rightful first place in our hearts. Modern “high places” can include: • Achievement and career success • Wealth, possessions, and the security they promise • Entertainment and constant digital stimulation • Physical appearance, health, and fitness obsessions • Human relationships elevated above obedience to Christ • Ideologies or political loyalties that outrank biblical truth Scripture Connecting Old and New • Exodus 20:3–5—“You shall have no other gods before Me… you shall not bow down to them or serve them.” • Matthew 6:24—“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” • Colossians 3:5—“Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature… and greed, which is idolatry.” • 1 John 5:21—“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” Practical Ways to Dethrone Modern Idols • Daily Scripture intake: letting God’s voice reset priorities before the day speaks. • Regular self-examination: asking, “What do I think I can’t live without?” • Sabbath rhythms: scheduled pauses that break addiction to productivity and screens. • Generous giving: loosening money’s grip by stewarding it for kingdom purposes. • Fasting—from food, media, or shopping—to expose hidden dependencies. • Christ-centered community: brothers and sisters who kindly confront misplaced loyalties. • Worship that costs something: choosing obedience when it clashes with comfort or reputation. Living Out Exclusive Worship Romans 12:1 urges, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” Each time we surrender a competing love, we echo Jeremiah’s lesson: God alone deserves the sacrifice of our lives. |
    |