Faith Journey
American Idols
The grand American experiment offers many substitutes that can displace the Lord of the universe. These are identified as "idols" in the Bible.
Some of the idols I tend to worship are:
a safe place to live, climate-controlled and well-furnished.
regular good food, with lots of choices.
job security and satisfaction.
wealth (seldom, if ever, admitted).
a secure retirement plan.
personal pleasure, and the means to sustain it.
the freedom and convenience of travel.
a peaceful and ordered society.
friends of my own kind who make few or no demands on me.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water down under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquities of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments."
(Moses in Deuteronomy 5:1-8)
Lord, forgive me for displacing you by coveting and protecting substitute objects of worship. Help me name these dangerous patterns and find ways to not bow to them. Help me establish my real citizenship in your kingdom while respecting my nation appropriately.
Print
Email
