Consequences of Idolatry

Consequences of Idolatry

---

This world is filled to overflowing with idols of every shape, name and color. And the same goes for those who commit idolatry. God's Word has plenty to say about them too. As far as idols go, the Bible describes them as useless, vain, or worthless. But what is an idol and why do people choose to worship them, and what are the consequences of such a choice?

Idols of Every Name, Shape, and Color

When we think of idols of the Old Testament the first thing that usually comes to mind are wood and stone statues set up by the heathen or pagans. We remember the golden calf made by the rebellious Israelites as they camped at the bottom of Mount Sinai. Aaron used the gold jewelry they brought to form their god. Then he made an altar to their newly formed idol and announced a feast for the next day.

What motivated the people to reject the true, living God, who had miraculously delivered them from slavery to Egypt (symbol of worldliness)? They became impatient because Moses hadn't returned from communing with God on the mountaintop. As a result, they began doubting God's protection over them. So they chose the way of the heathen and put their trust in man-made idols which were deaf, dumb and blind.

Idolatry Spoken of By Job

 If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence;

 If I rejoice because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;

 If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness;

 And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand:

 This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge:

for I should have denied the God that is above. Job 31:24-28

Job wasn't an idolator but he knew plenty about idols. He knew financial gain was not his hope-not what he trusted in. No matter how much wealth he might gain he understood ultimately it was supplied by the hand of God and was to be used for the purposes of God. When he looked up to the sky and saw the beauty of the sun, moon and stars, Job had no desire to worship them. What's more, he had no desire to worship himself.

Consequences of Idolatry

Because we are humans everyone is tempted to worship somebody or something other than Jesus Christ. We have all succumbed to the temptation during our lifetime. Solomon, the wisest king ever, gave in to idolatry after marrying pagan women who turned his heart toward their idols and away from the true God.  He built altars to many of them..Ashtoreth, Milcom, Chemosh, and Molech. (I Kings 11) This great sin, which affected Israel, resulted in the division of the kingdom.

Can you imagine the people, of that time and place, offering up their children to idols? And yet today there are temples-hidden and obvious- where unborn and born children are murdered as a sacrifice to idols such as Mammon. The love of money is still the root of all evil. When people choose comfort, ease, pleasure, security and wealth over an innocent, precious child, then they have definitely sacrificed to Mammon.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6:9-11

Cosmic Consequences of Idolatry

The governments of this world have been infiltrated and are led by satanic worshippers with a diabolical plan and purpose to take over the earth by making way for the Anti-Christ. Right now-in this day and time we are seeing the cosmic consequences of idolatry covering the globe. Not only in our governments, businesses, education, art/entertainment, family and media-but also places of worship where Christianity is taught. Read Ezekiel 8 for a good description of idolatry in the temple in Old Testament times.

Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.

 And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

 Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.

Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. Ezekiel 14:1-6

Consequences of Hypocrisy

In the verses from this chapter, Ezekiel tells those who are worshiping idols in their hearts that God knows it. He calls them to repent and also warns the hypocritical people that if they don't, then he will allow them to be deceived by the lies of the false prophets. Why? Because their divided or false devotion to God is a mockery to His holiness and goodness. And we know He is jealous for the affection of His people. If we seek Jesus from the depths of our hearts we should have no fear of being deceived by any false prophet.

It's all about the heart. The Bible teaches us to guard it. If God's word is our delight and the Spirit of God lives within us then we will be filled with love and grace, mercy and truth. Plus righteousness and faith. If Jesus rules and reigns on the throne of our hearts, there will be no room for idols. Cause nothing compares to Him... our Savior, Lord and King.