What Other Gods?

In our modern world, it is hard for us to imagine anyone worshipping idols as are mentioned throughout the Bible.  Surely, we are more intelligent and sophisticated than those in Bible times.  James Packer in his book, "Your Father Loves You" responds to this idea.

What other gods could we have besides the Lord? Plenty. For Israel there were the Canaanite Baals, those jolly nature gods whose worship was a rampage of gluttony, drunkenness, and ritual prostitution. For us there are still the great gods Sex, Shekels, and Stomach (an unholy trinity constituting one god: self), and the other enslaving trio, Pleasure, Possessions, and Position, whose worship is described as "The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16). Football, the Firm, and Family are also gods for some. Indeed the list of other gods is endless, for anything that anyone allows to run their life becomes their god and the claimants for this prerogative are legion. In the matter of life’s basic loyalty, temptation is a many-headed monster.


Let us not be naive to think just because we don't bow before a golden calf or a stone image that our obedience to the second commandment is fulfilled.   An idol is anything that usurps the place of God in our hearts. 


What really gives me the most pleasure in my life?  What is my heart really drawn to?  Come see us Sunday.  We will talk about that.


Pastor Jeff