What steps can we take to avoid modern-day idolatry in our lives? Setting the Scene: Jeroboam’s Golden Calves “After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, ‘Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’” (1 Kings 12:28) Jeroboam swaps God’s ordained worship in Jerusalem for two convenient idols in Dan and Bethel. The shift looks small—“too much for you” sounds caring—but it fractures covenant faithfulness and invites ruin. Spotting the Seeds of Idolatry Today Idolatry remains any substitution of someone or something for the living God. Today it can hide behind: • career success • romantic relationships • technology and entertainment • political identity • comfort and convenience • even ministry achievements Step 1: Guard Your View of God • Stay tethered to Scripture’s full portrait of God—holy, sovereign, jealous, loving (Exodus 34:6-7). • Read, memorize, and meditate on passages that showcase His greatness (Isaiah 40; Revelation 4-5). • Refuse to shrink Him to a manageable size that fits lifestyle preferences. Step 2: Submit to God’s Commands, Not Convenience • Jeroboam chose convenience over obedience. Counteract by obeying when it feels costly (John 14:15). • Ask, “What has God clearly said?” not “What feels easier?” Step 3: Prioritize Corporate Worship God’s Way • The golden calves became alternate worship centers. Keep gathering with a Christ-centered church (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Engage in Word, prayer, ordinances, fellowship—God’s appointed means, not self-styled substitutes. Step 4: Examine Your Influences • Jeroboam “sought advice” that validated his plan. Choose counselors who honor God’s Word (Proverbs 13:20). • Filter podcasts, books, and social feeds through the lens of truth. • Invite trusted believers to point out blind spots. Step 5: Hold Fast to the Cross • Idolatry fades when Christ’s work looms large (Galatians 6:14). • Preach the gospel to yourself daily: forgiven, adopted, purchased. • Celebrate Communion with a fresh sense of awe and loyalty. Step 6: Practice Daily Renunciation of Rivals • “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) • Identify potential rivals, name them aloud, and surrender them. • Pray Psalm 139:23-24—“Search me…see if there is any offensive way in me.” Step 7: Cultivate Gratitude and Contentment • Idols promise what only God provides. Counter with “Thank You” lists (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5). • Celebrate God’s daily mercies; content hearts are less tempted to bow elsewhere. Step 8: Keep Eternity Before Your Eyes • “Flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14) Future judgment and reward give urgency. • Meditate on eternal realities—New Jerusalem, crowns cast before the throne (Revelation 21-22). • Let the coming glory dwarf present temptations. Putting It All Together • Know God accurately. • Obey Him regardless of convenience. • Worship with His people His way. • Surround yourself with truth-speaking friends. • Anchor in the gospel. • Renounce competing loyalties daily. • Give thanks always. • Live with eternity in view. Idolatry thrives in subtle shifts; faithfulness flourishes through deliberate, ongoing steps like these. |
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