Idols

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21. In Chapter 2, verse 15, we have an expression for what idols usually are: the things in this world! This is in agreement with the apostle Paul’s explanation: “Covetousness, which is idolatry.” In other words, what you lust after in order to possess it, to get it, and to buy it—all these things are idols. In Philippians 3:18-19 we also have a deadly serious explanation of this idolatry: “Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly . . . who set their mind on earthly things.” A person may love and admire good food to the extent that his belly, i.e., good food and much food, is his god!

Paul often told them this; he wept and grieved over it. V. 18. This corresponds with what he writes in Romans 1:25: “Worshiped and served the creature [created things] rather than the Creator . . . .” Most money is being used for idolatry, which is the very reason it is impossible to love money and God simultaneously!

The great prophet Isaiah also spoke mightily on this subject in Chapter 2:12-22 and Chapter 3:16-24. In Chapter 2:18 we read, “But the idols He shall utterly abolish”—namely, on that day when God’s wrath and judgment over all these things will be revealed. Ch. 2:12. Nevertheless, the fact is that Jesus came with a perfect salvation from all this collective misery! Now all of us have ample opportunity to abolish all kinds of common idolatry in our life. The Lord be greatly praised!