Praise and Worship

In the scripture, idolatry was part of everyday life for many people.  In Babylon, Bel (Marduk) controlled the weather, war, and the sun; while his son, Nebo, represented learning, astronomy, and science.

Ashtoreth (Asheroh) was the goddess of love, childbirth, and fertility (in Canaan). Baal (of Canaan) controlled the rain and harvest while being connected with fertility and strength.

Dagon (in the land of Philistia) controlled harvest, grain, and success in harvesting. Molech was the national god in Ammon. Moabites worshiped Chemosh, who controlled the food supply in the water, fish.

One thing most pagan gods had in common; their human followers could show their allegiance to them through the use of prostitution and child sacrifices.

The components of ancient idol worship have similarities in today’s society. (In fact, we are more like biblical times then we are willing to admit.)

1.   PASSION – Instead of being seen as God’s unique creations, humans can often be exploited sexually, politically, and economically, which leaves them filling used and hopeless. Our physical drives (and passions) can often rule our bodies and minds.  Our Heavenly Father desires us to redirect our energies in methods that will emotionally edify (and encourage) others.

2.   PLEASURE – A life based on promiscuous sexual habits with no guilt as to whom it could harm will is not acceptable to a divine Heavenly Father. Seeking ultimate pleasure can sometimes lead to long-term disaster. Instead God wants you to seek the kind of enjoyment that will result in long-range rewards.

3.   POWER – People often want freedom from any God restriction. They wanted their religion to fit their lifestyle (not the other way around). Answering to a divine authority is unpopular (at times).  Instead of having supremacy over others, the Almighty wants us to use His influence to help others.

4.   PRAISE & POPULARITY – God’s perfect, divine nature is often incorrectly replaced in our hearts with a variety of idols that often seem more culturally suitable to our fast-paced existence. Sacrifice is something we want is often viewed as self-inflicted punishment, which makes no sense to us. We often seek success (of any kind) with everything we have. Ultimately, God wants us to honestly praise Him, and respect those that serve Him.

Isaiah 44:10 (MSG) inquires “Who would bother making gods that can’t do anything…” The Almighty is the only miracle worker you need in your life. He can be that because He has no physical body. ; The Almighty is morally unlike humans. He is beyond our understanding. He cannot be manipulated by us.

Chances are if something (or someone else) is holding first place in your heart that you already know that. Remember, a idol is natural object that is given sacred value and power.

Answer the five questions below. If your response to them is anything other than “God,”  maybe you should reread this post.

1.   Who created you?

2.   Who do you trust (for everything in your life)?

3.   Who do I go to for what the real truth actually is?

4.   Who is the only One that can provide me with true security and happiness?

5.   Who determines what happens in my future?

Adapted from the articles, “Major Idols Mentioned in the Bible,””The Appeal of Idols,” “God or Idols,” and “Today’s Idolatry” from The Life Application Bible, New International Version edition.