Powers, Gods, And ADDICTIONS

When I visited the ruins of Pompeii, the similarities between the 2,000-year-old homes and our modern homes amazed me. In the Roman equivalent of a living room, I could see where our modern amenities would fit. For instance, our TVs go right where the altar to the household gods used to be. It makes perfect sense; TVs and household gods are both focal points with a profound influence on the home’s inhabitants.

By giving us the Ten Commandments, God outlined the fundamental rules by which He designed the universe to function. The first rule is to have no other gods but Him; the second is not to have idols (Exodus 20:4-6).

It’s easy to merge these two commandments, but “idol” has a specific meaning. An idol is anything besides God that you put your hope in. They’re something you rely on for comfort, confidence, and security, like technology, personal achievements, or money. Idols can even come from our desire to worship God (Judges 17:1-24). But they’re never good. They’re like substance addictions, and they end up replacing God. Idols are so damaging to our relationship with God that He equates having them to cheating on your spouse. Only, instead of your spouse, you’re cheating on the Creator of the universe.

What worldly things are you incapable of living without? However much you’re dependent on them, that’s how much of an idol they are. It’s hard not to have idols. Fortunately, God knows this, and He sent us something to worship: Himself in human form—Jesus Christ. Don’t put your hope in a statue or a box of circuits. Let Jesus be your source of comfort, confidence, and security.

Watch the full sermon here.