Sidetracked

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

Idol worship isn’t just an Old Testament concept. It continued throughout the New Testament and into our day as well. In New Testament times, no idol was revered in Ephesus more than the goddess Diana. A gigantic statue of Diana was placed in a magnificent temple in Ephesus—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Furthermore, a lot of money was made from the idol-making industry that developed there.

When Paul went to Ephesus preaching the truth of God's Word, many converted, becoming Christ followers. The victorious Christian witness was so compelling it threw the idol making industry into a tailspin, as idolatry diminished in favor of Christianity.

Theologically, an idol is anything that sidetracks our devotion to God. Whether we like to admit it or not, many in our day are “sidetracked!” But rather than worshiping statues, we choose possessions, pleasures, or positions as our gods. Then we invest our time, finances, and energy into these things.

And just as in Paul’s day, people don’t like to have their idols dethroned, so be ready for opposition. Living out the abundant life that God gives to Christ followers will discredit the idols that are around us. So keep on lifting up Christ in your life. Others will see a difference and be drawn to Him and the abundant life that He offers.

So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed (Acts 19:20).