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| Volume 28 Number 4 April 2026 |
Page 13 |
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| Volume 28 Number 4 April 2026 |
Page 13 |
Tearing Down Our Idols
Gary Hampton
Most Bible students know idolatry is condemned under the Law of Moses (Exodus 20:3–5). Paul said idolatry is ignorant worship (Acts 17:29–31). The foolishness of it is seen in the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal, as well as in the prophecy of Isaiah (1 Kings 18:20–40; Isaiah 40:9–20). Christians should run from it because it is a work of the flesh (1 Corinthians 10:14; Galatians 5:20). It is depicted as spiritual adultery (Hosea 1:2). We easily recognize idolatry is wrong but may not see how it fits in our world until we notice that it is putting anything ahead of God.
One of those things might be self. Paul warned perilous times would arise partly because of self-lovers (2 Timothy 3:1–2). I need to tear down the self-idol and take up my cross daily (Luke 9:23). God now owns me because He bought me with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). I need to put myself aside and care for the needs of my mate (1 Corinthians 7:3–4). Wives will submit to their husbands, and husbands will love their wives like Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:22, 25) if we set aside self.
I need to tear down the idol of things and money. The love of money leads to great evil (1 Timothy 6:9–10). It cost the rich young ruler a great opportunity to receive eternal life (Matthew 19:16–26). Covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). The wise man stated, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble” (Proverbs 15:16 NKJV).
I also need to tear down the world idol. John warned that the love of the world would keep us from having the love of the Father (1 John 2:15–17). Being entangled in the “pollutions of the world” will make us worse than before we became Christians (2 Peter 2:20–21). So, Paul said not to conform to the world’s standards but renew our minds, presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1–2).
Is God at the center of your life? If not, look for your idols and tear them down.
