ME? Worship Idols?

Scripture:
Psalm 135:15-18 — “The idols of the nations are but silver and gold, the work of man’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; they have eyes, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear, nor is there any breath at all in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, yes, everyone who trusts in them.”

Observation:
I have often wondered how a good people, a smart people, could bow down and worship something made by their hands—especially after they had seen first hand how God could create the plagues, or part the red sea, or send food from heaven every day. It is almost silly sounding and ridiculous to really think about it.

Somehow, someway it became the “thing to do,” to worship and value these possessions shaped like animals, man, or other things. The culture of unbelievers and those who had not experienced the presence of God quietly and gradually crept into the homes and hearts of God’s people.

I honestly don’t think that I could or would ever bow down to a statue and value it above God. But wait. . .what about something else created or valued by man in this culture? My bank account, retirement, my position and recognition, my “me time,” my free time, boats, cars, houses, land, popularity, conveniences, vacations, memberships or status, my success, my collections of whatever. . .

If worship is “valuing God above all things with all that I am in response to all that He is and has done,” then I can see how I am guilty of this idol worship. My culture has told me what is important to pursue and many times, I have joined the race.

Application:
God loves honesty. He already knows me better than I know myself. Before a word is on my tongue or a thought in my mind, He knows it. Why should I think that I could run or hide from His presence and knowledge of me?

I need to start today with honesty as I confess my idols to Him.  I don’t want them, but my flesh is weak and I tend to pursue them.

God promises me in 2 Chronicles 16:9 that “the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that he may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” So I will be honest with Him and seek His help in this matter today.

Prayer:
God you know that my heart tends to pursue many things, not necessarily bad, but things that take the place of You as the only One I worship. I give you my heart today. Let me know today what it is like to value You above anything else. My heart is completely Yours. May Your eyes be upon me and support me today as I worship and value You alone.        

— Jeff Askew, worship pastor, director of choirs