Hidden Idols

The Book of I Kings reveals the downfall and demise of kings, because they worshiped idols, refused to worship the one true God, and sought godless counsel. Many combined the worship of both God and idols. They were unrepentant, covetous, disobedient, rebellious, and lusted after power.

We have been warned “that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Sadly, the biblical description accurately defines today’s America that has fallen into the same rebellious, unrepentant, covetous apostasy as did the ancient kings. Jesus said that no one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. We cannot serve both God and this world (Matthew 6:24 NIV).

Americans have fallen into the trap of crass materialism, which is promoted through advertising, movies, television, videos, books, and other forms of media. This ungodly counsil promises that if we buy into their propaganda, we will look and feel better, be more successful, smarter, and wiser, and live longer healthier, happier lives, very much like the promises the enemy made in the Garden of Eden—and we know how that ended. This daily, minute-by-minute capitalistic infusion of a worldview has created a self-indulgent, idol worshiping culture, trained to worship all things that satisfy and gratify the flesh.

Today’s idols are not limited to Ashtoreth poles, shrines, totems, or other manmade deities. Instead, they are stealthily hidden in all things that draw our focus away from God and cause us to look to ourselves, people, and the world to meet our wants and expectations for pleasure, entertainment, success, health, and happiness.

According to a Nielson report, United States adults watch a minimum of five hours and four minutes of television per day,which is 35.5 hours per week. Now, smartphones are outpacing even the most advanced televisions, because phones are with us 24/7.

Smartphone technology allows us to access television programs, movies, the weather, GPS, games, newsfeeds, the Internet, social media, and so much more. Although moderation is the key to T.V. viewing and cellphone use, too many people cannot divorce themselves from their televisions and phones long enough to have a meaningful conversation with others, and teens are the largest group of cellphone abusers.

The Radiological Society of North America looked at the brains of teens who use smartphones and had Internet addiction. They discovered differences in the chemistry of the reward circuits of the brain. Interestingly, the brain chemistry changed and looked like non-addicted controls in those teens who received cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

One out of every four car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. And cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. How does one know if cell phone use has become an addiction? When that person would rather be on their cell phone then have a conversation with another person and when texting while driving and walking is more important than personal safety and the safety of others.

According to Nielsen, Pew Research Center, comScore, SmartInsights, and other organizations, the average person spends over four hours a day on their device, although many young people far exceed that. Scientists are also linking cellphone use to insomnia, irritability, depression, bullying, and suicide.

We need take inventory of how much time we spend watching T.V. or scanning Facebook or any of the other 65 plus social networking sites? Do these activities lend any real lasting value to our lives? Yes, television can be a form of relaxation after a long day and there are valid reasons to post certain things on social media, but at what point do we draw the line?

So, if people spend an average of five hours a day watching television and four hours on their cell phones, that is nine hours for personal leisure. Then there are those obligations to family, church, work, maintaining a home, outside activities, hobbies, and sports. So, when do we fit God into our schedules? Could it be that we should consider spending less time perusing Facebook or watching television, so that we can make time for God?

Jesus said not to worry about what we eat, drink, or wear. For the pagans run after all these things. But our heavenly Father knows what we need. Therefore, we are to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:30-34).

At age 27, I returned to college to finish my degree. I was a divorced mother working full time and attending college full time. Sometimes, I felt overwhelmed in trying to be a good mother, provider, and student. I would always pray for my day, but one day the Lord challenged me to read His Word before I started studying. This became a habit that truly became a blessing. When I gave time to God, He multiplied time back to me. He even guided me in what was important to study for a test; I made the Dean’s List each year.

We have 24 hours in a day as a gift from God. How are we going to use that gift? We all have daily obligations, but we also have a responsibility to give back to God a portion of our time to fellowship with Him, to pray, and to study His Word.

America’s motto is “In God We Trust.” But in reality, in what and whom do we really trust and believe? To whom or what do we seek for help and answers? In whom or what do we give the most attention? In whom or what do we depend upon for our rest, peace, and joy?

God is preparing His Church for His coming. Satan is preparing the world to receive the Antichrist. If people are so focused on what they see, they will be misled and believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2). That is why God calls us to put away idols and seek Him while He may be found.

We are sojourners passing though this world. God never intended it to be our permanent home. Nor did He intend that we seek the pleasures of this world to satisfy our souls that long for love, peace, happiness, and joy. Those things can only be found in God.

PRAYER: FATHER, You know the thoughts that You think toward me—thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give me an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11). I thank you for Your gracious mercy and unending faithfulness to me. I repent for not keeping You as my first priority. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me, that I may eagerly seek You first and desire Your will and purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.