Idols

Idols

We don’t hear much about idols anymore. When I was growing up there were matinee idols (movie stars) and rumors of pagan idols worshipped in far off lands. I guess we are much too sophisticated to use such an old fashioned word. Or are we?

Having spent all of my adult life in church work, I have come to observe that idols are more prevalent than one would think. By definition, an idol is a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, revered or worshipped. Worship can be defined as an excessive admiration for someone or something.

In church there is a tendency toward stability and safety. Change does not come easy. Maybe it’s because we live in a very changeable world where everything is up for grabs. There are many who like church just as it is which translates “don’t mess with it.”

Years ago, when I was pastoring an Episcopal church, I messed with an idol. In the sanctuary, there stood a wooden reading stand carved like an eagle. Since no one ever used it, I moved it off to the side. On Sunday morning, there was an immediate and hostile response from members of the congregation. They didn’t want their church furniture rearranged. The argument went along the line “it has always stood there.”

This was the beginning of my education of idols in the church. People attach inordinate value to furniture, ritual and tradition that eclipse the Good News of Jesus. It is so easy to be distracted by objects or convictions that can capture our imagination and lure us away from Him; even a piece of furniture.

The Bible reminds us “to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”