They Are Not Gods

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Idols and idolatry are not new to mankind. When archaeologists dig up ancient cities, they typically find quite a variety of gods, made of a variety of materials: stone, ceramic, wood, et al. 

One great besetting sin of the ancients was idolatry. But before we get all high and mighty, we’re vexed with the same folly today. Our “golden calves” are standing everywhere. We set up our altars wherever we can find space for them. It seems that our flesh just can't get enough of our gods, and our displays seems to be endless. 

It is accurate to say, “but they are not gods.” You won’t find real blessings there. Their counsel is dangerous. And try to find them in your hour of need. Why are we so drawn to these false gods? How is it that we are so bewitched with their vanities? 

We pity those poor “heathens” that worship gods of stone, and yet we worship the gold god every day. Where is the vast superiority between a golden god and a wooden one? The folly of the sin is the same in either case. Hence, we compound the sin; we turn from the true and living God, and turn to idols. That, dear friend, is a grievous iniquity! 

The hymn writer said it well…

The dearest idol I have known,

Whate’er that idol be;

Help me to tear it from Thy throne,

And worship only Thee.

(O for a Closer Walk with God, William Cowper, 1772)

Do people make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods! Jeremiah 16.20