Idolatry Defined:

An idol for believers is anything upon which we may set excessive attachment, usurping the time and attention which belongs to the Lord and His Word of truth. It is the exaltation or elevation of something into a high position in our minds and hearts, taking up one’s time, thoughts, and affections.

We know there is “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:6), yet Satan exalts himself as “the God of this world” influencing “the course of this world” (cf. Eph. 2:2-3) to win our attention and affection.  We are instructed by Paul to:

“… seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set Your Affection On Things Above, NOT On Things On The Earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

Take time to ponder what things may be elevated in your life. Regular, honest consideration of our thinking and behavior can reveal things we have embraced and exalted in our lives. So, what will we then do about it? Will we excuse ourselves saying ‘everyone does it,’ trying to diminish its profound effect, or even just ignore it? A good example is the inordinate use of electronics: phones, internet, TV, podcasts, social media, etc. These are not bad per se and some are almost required to navigate in today’s society. Note that we are “in the world but not of the world.” Paul says moderation in all things is wise. (Phil. 4:5). Has one or more of these overtaken you as an ‘idol,’ ‘stronghold,’ or ‘addiction’?

Satan uses effective tactics, playing into our weakness to keep us blind or deceived: appealing to “the lust [desires] of the flesh, and the lust of eyes, and the pride of life” (I John 2:16), using our devolving society to entice believers. Some Christians are ‘trying in vain to fix or right the wrongs’ of Satan’s secular world system but we know the answer is the “gospel of the grace of God” and its everlasting outcome. Is it idol worship if an exorbitant affection is expressed toward other things rather than for God?

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (I Corinthians 6:12)

Though we “are not under the law but under grace” (Romans 6:14), we’re encouraged to make wise choices as responsible stewards of our lives in the light of our rich position of being “in Christ” and possessing His “Spirit of life” in and one with our spirit. Here are a few questions to prompt our serious reflection:

• How much time in the day is spent focused on our electronic devices?
• Does this displace well spent time of conversation, responsibilities, reading & studying the Word of truth, prayer and meditation, or opportunities for serving?
• Ask yourself: Is your day focused on the spiritual things of reading, studying, applying the Word, or serving, while dealing with the unavoidable issues of the day? Or, are we sometimes driven by “the desires of the flesh”?

Our honest answers to these questions can be a red flag. It is wisdom to recall that Christ in us “is our life” to be the object of “our life.” (cf. Col. 3:3-4) While we remain alive here on earth it is on Christ’s behalf… as His “ambassadors,” as servants, and living sacrifices.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and Ye Are Not Your Own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (I Cor. 6:19-20)

This verse (above) seems as a hard saying, but Paul says this it is our “reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1). Yet we need to live by Christ as “grace and truth” … allowing the indwelling “spirit of life in Christ Jesus” to impress upon us and make the needed changes in our soul’s mindset.

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philipp 2:13 (KJV)

It would be wisdom to regularly evaluate where we are as to the things of this world that wax worse. Satan and the impact of his plan of evil in this world is subtle, appealing to “the flesh” of all men including believers in many ways.