Modern Idols (Part I)

Definition of  “Idol” According to Strong’s Concordance:

 H4656: horrid thing, so called from it being an object of fear

H6090: pain, sorrow

H457: of naught, good for nothing, worthless

G1497 image, likeness, a false god, whatever represents the form of an object, real or imaginary.

The definition of “idol” according to Strong’s Concordance was very surprising to me. According to the above definitions, idols cause sorrow and are worthless. They are more of an object of fear rather than source of life or hope. In the Biblical times, people used idols for false security because they thought that those idols have the power for protection against evil. In reality, no idol has any power. In fact, they are worthless, but they appear powerful enough that possessor fears losing it or making it angry.

Some cultures use statues and images for  “good luck”  in their homes or businesses. The underlying message in those cases is that if one does not have the idol on their property, either something bad might happen or one could lose the “good luck” or the “blessing”.

We call these kinds of ideas superstitious. In our modern day, not only we do not believe in such idols anymore, but we might even look down upon those simple-minded individuals who believe in these imaginary idols. Since we are too sophisticated to believe in such a nonsense, the enemy is not going to use the same form of idols to have us worship a false god, but he will use something that is of value, importance, and of power in this day and age. In order for us to recognize our modern day idols, we need to determine what we value that can set a trap for us as believers?

Cultural values

Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. Genesis 31:19

Rachel, Jacob’s wife, stole those idols because she had seen her father Laban rely on them. They were valuable because her father had deemed them valuable. She stole her father’s idols because she did not want to lose her source of power and security when she departed from her father’s house.

Every culture has certain things they value, which can turn idolatrous. Some people come from a background where having statues of Virgin Mary or Jesus were valuable to them. Others have jewelry with certain symbolism signifying prosperity. When I was growing up, in my grandparents village, there was a church with a tree, which water came out of the tree. People believed in its supernatural power, so they would fill up bottles and take the water home with them. They used it to anoint a sick person and hope for healing. I was given a bottle when I came to the U.S., and for years I held onto it until God showed me that it was time for spiritual housecleaning. I got rid of that bottle along with gold jewelry that was supposed to bring “good luck”.

Are there things in your household that you have held onto that are not only sentimental but deep down you also believe they have some sort of power?

 I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.