American Idols

Much of America is caught up once again in the TV show American Idol. Several months ago 80,000 hopefuls began the journey. By their own admission they want to be the next “American Idol.”

Beloved, there is something or someone in and around you that is vying for the place of “idol” in your life. It can be a person or an interest. It might be a hobby or a sport. It can happen quickly. It can occur subtly. Most of the time it happens gradually. And often it slips in unnoticed. Regardless, an idol is still and idol and idolatry is sin. An idol is anything (and I mean anything) that rivals with Holy God for our affection. God will have no rivals. He is a jealous God.

God says, “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…” (Ex. 20:4-5).

Idols will fail you. According to the Bible “they have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk. They cannot make a sound with their throats. Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them” (Psa. 115:5-8).

Determining who your idol is may have a lot to do with who the judges are. There are three possibilities: ourselves, others or God. Remember, if your judge is anyone other than God, you're performing life for the wrong person.

The Bible says, "Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are in your midst, and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel" (Joshua 24:23). “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts…” (1 Pet 3:15) Jesus never fails. He is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).