February 2010
(Seventh In Series on “What God is Saying to America in 2010”)
Pilgrim Reflections” (For the Week of February 10, 2010) By Tom Smith
We may say we have none; but the evidence would indicate otherwise.
Idols.
They come in all shapes and sizes. Although they may look differently than those carved or cast idols found in primitive cultures, they’re still with us. And, in reality, those who worship them have contributed to the coming destruction of these United States.
“So, what are these idols?” someone smugly asks.
“I don’t see any around,” says another with a smirk.
Well, the problem is they don’t meet the usual definition or depiction of an idol. But, that doesn’t mean they’re not here; we simply call them by different names.
Names like Hedonism (“If it feels good, do it”). . .Humanism (“It’s all about me; I’m my own authority; I can overcome anything,” etc.). . .Atheism (“There is no God”). . . Secularism (“Let’s rid ourselves of God and anything ‘religious’”). . .Materialism (“The insatiable thirst for things”). . .Narcissism (“The worship of self”). . .Pluralism (“The worship of diversity”), etc.
And, the list goes on and on and on.
Time or space doesn’t allow an exhaustive examination of these idols, but we’d do well to see how many of them are in our own lives. And, once discovered, we’d do well to ask the one true-and-living God—the God of Abraham—to help us get rid of them even as Gideon did his father’s idols that day (Judges 6:25-27).
Why is that?
Simply because “God is a jealous God” and will not share His Glory with anyone/ anything else (Exodus 20:3-5). And, woe to any who think otherwise.
Contrary to popular belief and what’s politically correct, abortion is wrong because that baby being formed in his/her mother’s womb is precious in God’s sight (Psalm 139) and “made in His Image” (Gen. 1:26). Yet, legalizing abortion in 1973 in Roe v Wade—which was the legalizing of murder of the unborn, the most helpless in our society—championed a woman’s “rights” over what is Right in God’s sight and brought us further under His wrath.
Likewise, worship of the god of Materialism, which is rooted in greed and covetousness, has produced a whole host of ills in our society. That’s why we live beyond our means. That’s why we buy and spend with no thought of tomorrow. That’s why for decades our nation has championed the American Dream. . .somehow believing everyone DESERVES a two-car garage, a big salary, fashion-designer clothes, etc. . .but now are beginning to realize that Dream is really the American Nightmare.
Again, contrary to popular belief, “It’s NOT all about you and me.” It’s all about HIM, the God Who created all that is. And, anything that’s elevated above Him and is rightful place in our lives as #1 is an idol.
So, in reality, ours is not a battle between cultures, worldviews, religions, etc.; it’s a “battle of the gods.” That’s what was going on that day when Moses returned to Pharaoh’s court and said “Thus says the God of Israel: Let My People go” (Exodus 5:1a)—to which Pharaoh, who believed HE was the supreme god, replied “Who is the Lord—i.e., who is your god—that I should obey His Voice and let Israel go?” (Ex. 5:2a).
Years ago, even when I was a boy, Christianity was mainstream, pastors were esteemed, morals and societal mores were held high, etc. But, through the years (beginning in the 60’s) Christianity became a sub-culture, then a counter-culture and now is a persecuted or despised culture by an increasing number of folks.
And, I hate to tell you, it’s going to get worse.
In reality, the “chickens have come home to roost” or “we’re reaping what we’ve sown” by not being the “peculiar people” (I Peter 2:9)—the “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16)—that we’re called to be. In fact, the modern church sadly more resembles the church at Laodicea than it does the one that was birthed on the Day of Pentecost (Revelation 3:14-17; Acts 2:37-47; 4:32-37). No wonder she makes God sick to His stomach.
Years ago we used to type “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.” And, with regards to our American Idols, “Now is the time for all of God’s People to come to repentance and return to the living God” (Psalm 115) before it’s too late.
(NOTE: If you’d like to contact Bro. Tom or receive his daily e-mail devotional, entitled “Morning Manna,” you can write him at P.O. Box 582, Coushatta, LA 71019 or e-mail him at pressingon@hotmail.com).
