BELIEFS WHICH CAN BECOME IDOLS

What does it matter what one believes?  Well, ask God what He thinks about that!

Recently I attended a bible study at a prominent Lutheran Church whose pastor  is a fine preacher and teacher.  Becoming very impressed on the teachings during the six weeks, I decided to pass  along some high points to those of you out there. 

It also occurred to me this morning while I was journaling Lev. 26:1, "Don't make idols for yourselves," that what we believe in, if not in God, would be classified as an idol.  So, here is a list of beliefs the world in particular and some of us, too, find prominent.

So here goes: Materialism...She is crazy about things.  She rarely uses the word, enough. She often wants what everyone else has.  She believes in an idol.

Second: Individualism...She serves herself, focusing on herself.  Everything is about her. She believes in an idol.

Third:  Heathenism...She is addicted to thrills, danger, or excitement.  Pursuing pleasure is her game. She believes in an idol.

Fourth: Pragmatism...It seems right to her, whatever works.  The world says it's OK, so it must be. She believes in an idol.

Fifth: Naturalism...God doesn't exist or matter. No God, so she doesn't have to be accountable. She believes in an idol.

Sixth: Humanism...She is her own god..  She has made herself the center of the universe.  And she, too, believes in an idol.

Seventh: Theism... God made her for His purposes. Col.1:16 "For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible..everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him."  She believes in the One, True God.

Well, there you have it.  I must admit that I have moments when I find myself fitting into each of these catagories.  It shames me to say so, but I must be truthful.  However thinking about them as being idols snaps me back into the arms of Jesus, pronto!

So, I've decided that it really does matter what we believe.  And the pastor said that being sincere is not enough.  The 10 commandments will not change.  The proverbs will not change, nor will any other words that we long to press into our minds and actions.  Where we can see and say, It is written...needs to be a heart message and absolute truths.  We center our belief system on Him!

So when I find myself eyeing the ring of my beautiful granddaughter, newly engaged, I just stay happy for her..  And I will not envy that ring and wish that I had one just like it, for I do not want to idolize material of any kind.

God has given me much to be thankful for...and I intend to stay that way...forever thankful!

How about you, Friends?  jo