Overcoming Idols
When we think back to the Old Testament, the clearest picture of an idol is the golden calf, molded and worshiped by the people of Israel. The interesting point in this story is that God had just led them away from Egypt (where they had witnessed the water of Red Sea being divided for their passage). So, how does a whole civilization simply turn from God in order to worship a golden calf, especially when their hope in the Lord should have been steadfast?
It is easy for the modern reader to look back and criticize the people of Israel for their actions. After all, it was a golden calf that they had constructed that they decided to put their faith in. It seems very elementary. But idols can take many forms. If an idol is something that we seek to find our joy and identity in (when we “worship the created rather than the Creator”-Romans), then idols in our lives could include anything from money, reputation, fame, relationships, jobs, sports, or even the latest entertainment system. When we translate idolatry into our modern lives, we can begin to understand that this was the same battle that was fought by the Israelites so long ago.
So, how do we overcome these idols? First, we must realize that we will be tempted daily. Just as Satan tempted Jesus (who was perfect) when He was living on the earth, he will tempt us also. Satan will attack our identity first. Are you really a Christian? Are you really forgiven? Does Christ really love you? Does Christ really satisfy your every need? These are the basic ideas that we will have bombarded day in and day out. But think back to Jesus’ defense against Satan’s tests. Every response was solidly grounded in the promises of God (Jesus fortified his answers with scripture). When Jesus defended his beliefs with the Word of God, Satan realized he no longer had power over Him and was forced to flee.
When we are attacked each day with idols, we have a few choices. We can surrender to chasing whole-heartedly after worldly things that do not satisfy eternally, or we can replace them with the One who created it all. God calls us to himself because He cares for us. We are created to praise and worship Him, and despite our sinful attempts to latch onto other idols, our joy will ultimately be satisfied when we are running toward Him. Take a moment today to identify your idols (what may be drawing you away from whole-hearted worship of Christ), accept your identity in Christ through grace, and fortify yourself against the coming attacks from Satan by praying and studying through some scripture on your own. We are incapable of fighting this battle successfully by ourselves, but, in Christ, the battle was (and will be) won.
Fight FROM victory.
Pathology Performance
Tyler Vaughn
Owner, Pathology Apparel
CSCS, SPT
Son of the King