The first 2 commandments in the big 10 address the massive problem of Idolatry.
Hahaha! I described idolatry as a “massive problem” because I was being ironic. Ha! Idolatry isn’t a massive problem anymore!
The 10th commandment addresses the problem of coveting things, which is kind of like idolatry. So almost one third of the 10 commandments have to do with worshiping things other than God. Hmmm…that’s weird, isn’t it?
Idolatry is something that used to happen when people were superstitious ignoramuses. Worshiping other gods is obsolete now. These days, with our computers and smart phones, we are too sophisticated to worship idols.
It made me wonder why God would use up 3 of the ten commandments talking about idolatry. Seems like a waste to repeatedly warn against committing a sin that ceased to exist once mankind left the Bronze Age. What if the commandment to “have not other gods before me” was about more than just bowing down to statues?
What if idolatry is a condition of the heart? If it is, then I can be a practicing idolater even if I’ve never bent a knee to any graven images. I can worship false gods without ever butchering a bull on an alter. And if I can do it, you can too!
You’re dancing around the Washington D.C. alter chanting, “Without Donald Trump in office, America is doomed!” Or, if you lean a little more left, you’re chanting, “If we don’t get Donald Trump out of office, America is doomed!” Either way, you’re putting America on the throne that belongs to God..
What if America is doomed? Does that upset you? Did you think The United States was going to last forever? Do you believe that this country is special to God? Why would you think that?
See, the Name of the Lord comes from afar, with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke; his lips are full of wrath, and his tongue is a consuming fire. His breath is like a rushing torrent, rising up to the neck. He shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction; he places in the jaws of the peoples a bit that leads them astray.
– Isaiah 30:27
Perhaps the reason that one third of the ten commandments are repetitions against idolatry is because mankind is prone to commit idolatry. And if you find the word “idol” too be out-dated, allow me to update the commandments with more contemporary terminology.
You shall not put any country before me.
You shall not worship any political party.
You shall not put any social causes before me.
You shall not worship your elected officials.
Nations rise and fall. The only kingdom that will last forever is God’s. He has made it pretty clear that He’s not sharing his throne with any earthly rulers, even if they’re American.
5 Responses
Wearing a mask, social distancing, quarantining, shuttering businesses & churches are also all forms of idolatry. This was the Church’s fiery furnace moment, but rather than face persecution in order to stand for Truth, they chose instead to bend their knee to the idol of compliance. Their cowardly attempt to spare themselves any discomfort is truly despicable. It’s time for the Church to repent, turn back to God, stand for Truth, & courageously face the persecution that Jesus guaranteed us.
John, I love you my brother in Christ, but I cringe every time you use alter when you mean altar!
Haha! Great catch! I will try to remember my mistake and alter future posts!
Hey, John…The more time I spend with you, the more prolific you appear. I have not located a biography for you that contains any of your history. I am interested in your education and your spiritual background that has allowed your affiliation with “Focus on the Family”. The reason for all this, as I continue to explore your comedy and blogs, is that you have become a pastor to me, and I a member of your flock. I have not truly practiced organized Christianity since about 1990, except for several international medical missionary trips in the early to mid-1990’s (which, candidly, were more for the pro bono humanitarian, surgical experiences than my spirituality). I guess what I am trying to say is:
Thanks. You speak to me.
Dr Steve
Thanks, Steve. I appreciate the encouragement.
There is no written biography about me. My life story is scattered throughout my writing and comedy work. Thanks for being interested!