Christian Idolatry? by Wade Urban “Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, ‘Thus saith the Lord God; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols...’ For every one…which separateth himself from me, and setteth up idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face…; I the Lord will answer him by myself: and I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the Lord ” (Ezek. 14:4-5, 7-8). Idolatry takes many forms. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as: 1) worship of idols 2) excessive devotion to or reverence for some person or thing. Idolatry is not just overt worship of foreign gods. Over-devotion to anything besides God is idolatry! The first two Commandments indicate God is jealous of our devotion (Ex.20:1-6). Today very little is spoken about idolatry in the body of Christ, yet it has infiltrated many lives. For example Jesus admonishes in Matt. 10:37, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Jesus’ words should convict many! How many have rejected an intimate relationship with God because of family relationships and commitments? How many venerate a relative who has died over their own commitment to God? How many more love their church, denomination, programs, pastor, etc. more than God Himself? These may be tough questions when they are closely linked to the Lord’s work. Many of us would shake a finger at those who skip worship services for the golf course, boating, or ballgame; but we fail to look at where our affections and worship are given. Perhaps our misplaced affections make us as guilty as they. Paul identified one of the most insidious idols, “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). Notice, money is not the root of evil; “love” of money is. Avarice is an idol many, even Christians, worship. Peter wrote concerning the last days, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Pet. 3:11). The Lord is calling His people to holiness and purity. One of the most telling aspects of our walk with God is attitude toward money. I believe the “mark of the beast” is an invisible spiritual economic mark to identify those who put trust in money rather than God. Actions and words will identify where loyalties lie. Judas’ heart was filled with greed (Jn. 12:4-6). His love for money was a cause of history’s most notorious treachery, betraying Jesus. History judges this ruthless act so even unbelievers know being a “Judas” equals betrayal. He was one of a circle of twelve who preached the gospel of the kingdom and to whom Jesus gave authority over demons, diseases, sickness (Lk. 9:1-2). Judas was included in those who operated in power and authority in Jesus’ name. Jesus’ words are clear: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name…cast out devils…and done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:21-23). Could it be if Judas lived in our day, he may have been a miracle-working evangelist with a world-wide ministry? Anyone is subject to setting up idols in his/her heart! Avarice may not be obvious to natural man. I don’t believe the other disciples were aware of Judas’ greed. Jesus, however, was not caught off guard. He even put Judas in the position of ministry treasurer. Judas was given a clear choice to trust Jesus or money. The Lord still tests us in areas of weakness where we may have set up idols. Have you ever betrayed Him? Thank God for His grace and mercy which He provides when we confess our sin, repent, and turn back to Him! Balaam is another example of avarice as an idol. Numbers 22-24 details the story of Balaam and the Moabite king who requested the prophet curse the Israelites who were advancing and conquering the land. Initially obeying God, Balaam refused; but when offered more money, he inquired a second time to see if God changed His mind. Scriptures clearly declare God changes not (Mal. 3:6); yet, God permitted Balaam to prophesy over Israel even though He knew the evil idol in his heart. Why? The feature scripture above explains when a man sets up idols in his heart, God answers that man according to the multitude of his idols. The Lord will agree with his idols, deceive, and then destroy him! Balaam’s eyes were so blinded by greed he could not see the angel ready to slay him. Balaam’s donkey was more aware of the danger than he and supernaturally spoke. I don’t know about you, but I would have surmised something was up if my donkey spoke to me. Balaam seemed to be unaffected by this conversation with his animal until the Lord opened his eyes so he could see the angel. An idol in our hearts can totally deceive us as it did Balaam, particularly when the Lord agrees with our idol. We really believe we are justified in pursuing our idols when in reality it will lead to our destruction. Though Balaam was outside God’s will, prophecy was still with him. This is a powerful lesson. Gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Rom. 12:29): what God gives, He does not take back. Therefore, we cannot judge a person’s spiritual condition by their gifts. Clearly God alone can judge thoughts and heart’s intents (Heb. 4:12). Remember Judas preached, delivered, and healed in Jesus’ name. Balaam prophesied the coming Messiah. How then can we know who is truly joined to the Lord? Jesus says, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:16). The fruit of Holy Spirit is Jesus’ character and can only be produced through one joined to Him. Jesus described this union as a vine and its branches (Jn. 15). A branch can only produce fruit as it is attached to the vine. As we abide In Christ, we will produce His character of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, faith, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance (Gal. 5:22-23). As a vine is recognized by its fruit, so is a person by his character, which seeps out over time through the tongue. The tongue will separate a believer from a pretender because it is spiritually attached to the heart (Matt. 13:34). “Money speaks” is a true expression. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:21). When an idol resides in the heart, the tongue will expose it! How we feel about money reveals our commitment to God. A quick survey of a person’s check stubs will reveal if avarice is an idol. Many readers may say their hearts are pure and devoted to Jesus, yet there may still be a yoke of bondage preventing full obedience. Debt is a powerful yoke which has kept many in chains of guilt, fear and doubt. Whenever we receive a clear word from the Lord concerning a financial gift and our first thought is, “Can I afford it?” we are in financial bondage. Holy Spirit is preparing the church for a marvelous harvest of souls. Much of this preparation has to do with the supernatural release of finance. Many of us have been tested in the area of finances. Perhaps you need financial deliverance and healing. The Lord is waiting for His people to turn back to Him in unrestrained obedience to His financial principles: seedtime and harvest, tithing, and giving are God’s methods of providing resource blessings. The Lord has provided a test of faithfulness in how we manage the least of things (money) before He will commit to us the true riches of His kingdom (Lk. 16:10–11). I pray each person reading this will weigh this matter in his/her heart and follow the Master. He is the only Way to freedom from idolatry. Amen.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 14:20:02 +0000
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