How is Idol Worship Apparent in the Modern World?

When we talk about idol worship we think of primitive tribes dancing around a totem pole, or the Israelites dancing around statues of the god Baal, or the ancient Greeks in their temples of Zeus. But when the Bible talks about false idols it really refers to any form of worship which has replaced the worship of God. Using that as a definition, we see that we in modern times are probably the most heathen of all civilizations in history. since we have so many false gods. By not believing in the one and only God we leave room in our hearts for any number of false gods to encamp themselves. We are a world of fanatics, enthusiasts, experts, fake authority figures, role models, celebrities, superstars, movie stars, sports stars, local heroes.

Anyone who appears on our TV screens for more than 15 minutes is branded with the ominous title of celebrity. We even have TV shows called Pop Idol and American Idol, the bulk of which is taken up with less than average talent. As consumers we adore and pursue avidly certain designer labels which attain enormous proportions in our lives. What all these things have in common is that they are there to fulfill a need for security, self-esteem and meaning. When people feel unloved they search blindly and in a panic stricken mode for something that will make them loved. Donning a particular fashion label or adoring a certain pop celebrity gives us a share in something that we perceive as worthwhile, a successful brand or worthy name, in other words we adopt ourselves into that "family." This "family" of ocurse, is an illusion. It is not real. There is no love and support in hard times, only a grab for our cash during the good times.

So what is wrong with hero worship? Nothing at all if it is operated under the umbrella of the one true saviour Jesus Christ. But worship without the real God leads to disappointment, frustration, anger, poverty, family break-ups, failed careers, sexual perversion, manifest greed, corruption, and many other nasty consequences. Jesus is the only idol who gives back more than He receives. When you devote your life to Jesus, you don't just get a nice wardrobe, you get eternal, selfless joy.

Milton Johanides is a retired businessman, church elder, writer and artist. He has been featured on BBC TVs Songs of Praise, owned numerous art galleries and once ran an award winning picture framing business in Scotland. The views expressed in these articles are his own. Web address: http://www.x-ibit-it.com