The Seriousness of Idolatry

“I am the Lord. That is my name. I will not give my glory to another; I will not let idols take the praise that should be Mine.” - Isaiah 42:8

When we worship or think anything is higher than God, we are making it an idol. If we do, it is a sin that does not please God because the things we make an idol cannot do what He can do. He is also a jealous God who will not share His glory with another, especially objects like a carved image, money or a human being.

There are dangers in worshipping other things than God. We can easily turn against Him or allow things to take precedence and loyalty in our lives. Matthew 6:24 references what could happen if we love money more than God, “No one can serve two masters. The person will hate one master and love the other or will follow one master and refuse to follow the other. You cannot serve both God and worldly riches.”

The things we worship or love more than God are temporary and lasts for a short time (2 Corinthians 4:18). The things we make an idol like people will die, money will be spent, and houses can be destroyed by flood waters. God is more faithful than these things and promises to be there for His people forever unlike the things of this world (Deuteronomy 32:4, Hebrews 13:5-6).

Prayer of the day:

Dear heavenly Father,

You take idolatry seriously because You want the glory. You deserve it since the world is Yours. We cannot find true happiness in worshipping things and people of the world. You created us to worship You alone. Help us to stay away from idols and not let them get in the way of our true worship of You. You are worthy of worship; all glory and honor belong to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!