Keep yourselves from idols

1 John 5:21

In 1 John 2:15 we find an apt description of what idols are, generally speaking: the things of this world! This is in harmony with the apostle Paul’s explanation: “Covetousness, which is idolatry”!

In other words, the things which one covets to possess, receive, purchase, etc., are idols. In Philippians 3:18-19 we also have an explanation of this idolatry which is extremely serious: “Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly … who set their minds on earthly things.” One can both love and admire good food to such an extent that one’s belly, that is, good food and much food, is one’s god. Paul had often told them this, and he wept grievously over it. V. 18. This is in harmony with what he writes in Romans 1:25: “[They] worshiped the creature rather than the Creator…” For this very reason it is impossible to love money and God at the same time!!!

The great prophet Isaiah also spoke seriously about this matter in Isaiah 2:21-22 and 3:16-24. “But the idols He shall utterly abolish.” Isaiah 2:18. God will do this on the day when His wrath and judgment over all this will be revealed. (Isaiah 2:12.) However, the fact of the matter is that Jesus came with a perfect salvation from all this wretchedness that is so common with man!!!

Now we all have unlimited opportunity to be liberated from all manner of idolatry in our life! All glory to the Lord!

Food for thought

In the article “Keep Yourselves from Idols”, Aslaksen mentions different examples of idols. When does something become an idol for you?

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