Articles
Word Of The Week: Idol
In the most concrete sense, an idol is a molded or carved image that represents a false god. Ancient civilizations "changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man -- and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things" (Rom. 1:23).
Arbitrary characteristics were assigned to various gods, usually reflections of people's fears or desires from the world around them. We may think we are too sophisticated in modern times to believe in such things, but we tend to do the same thing in principle. When we elevate worldly things or ideas to the degree that all our affection, attention and effort are invested in those things, they become our idols or gods.
The God who presents Himself to us in His physical creation, in His inspired word and in the person of Jesus Christ is a real being. He has infinite power; He has guided events in this world to accomplish His purposes. He is a being of love and compassion for those He has created, even though those creatures have rejected and disappointed Him.
He is the only God who can act for us in our eternal best interest. Our “gods” fail us constantly, but we stubbornly hang on to them. May we abandon all distractions and false gods for the true and living God, our Creator and our Savior.
