HIDDEN IDOLS

Reflection: Exodus 20:3-6, Exodus 20:23, 1 John 2:15-16

 When I was still running after the things of the world many years ago, the idol I unknowingly worshipped was solid gold. I mean, I had so much solid gold jewellery, that I wouldn't even remember some pieces until I needed them. I had my man-made god securely kept in the safe deposit box in a bank. You would never find me at church services, shopping, or running simple errands without it. One Sunday, I had no interest going to church because I could not find a particular one I had planned to wear - ignoring the fact that I was the only one in the family at the time pulling everyone else in the house to church each week, whether they liked to go or not. I was miserable all day!

I invested in solid gold jewellery: Bought it, sold it, wore it, and loved it to bits. Unknowingly, it was the man-made god that I had in my possession and worshipped, until it ruined, and left me without a penny in my pocket (for real). In fact, I was fortunate that money was all I lost - the kingdom of darkness had other plans, but for the mercy of God and His awesome power. I would wonder, People invest in solid gold all the time, why is my own situation different? I also loved shoes (in fact, I still love shoes without a problem LOL), but there was just something about solid gold jewellery that was causing me pain, as much as I loved it. It was very strange also, that this Gold-Hunting-and-Trading Venture was stressful from the onset. I had no peace: Running after debtors to collect my money, making enemies all over the place because they wouldn't pay what they owed, the fights, the threats (once, a debtor unleashed her trained vicious dog to attack me), the fear of losing my investments, and other issues I had to deal with. These should have been pointers that this was not God's will for me (coupled with the fact that I had made this thing my god), but I lacked spiritual discernment at the time. I had to rededicate my life to Him when He revealed deep things to me about the items, the business, and the ungodly activities some of those I was trading with were involved in. I renewed my covenant with Him, ensured I no longer had any of the items in my possession, stopped having anything to do with them, stopped making attempts to recover money I was owed, and stopped wearing jewellery (till date). Shortly afterwards, I woke up one morning and found I had completely lost interest in anything that had to do with jewellery. I finally found peace - just that I found it the hard way. Is going through an ordeal the key to peace? Absolutely not!

This testimony is not to specifically say that you are committing a sin if you invest in, or wear solid gold, diamonds, or other precious jewellery. Speak to the Lord about your situation. In my own case, I idolised these possessions - that was the sin. Also, God works with people differently, especially if you have His calling on your life. In my wild desire for worldly possessions, the devil seized the opportunity to carry out his own plan and sent his agents my way. If you are a believer abiding in Christ, the Holy Spirit will convict you of excesses, accordingly. Hopefully, you will heed His rebuke.

Many unconsciously worship idols just like I did. You need to do some soul-searching when you find yourself drawn to a particular thing or person more than the Lord. Seek the Lord for revelation. Solid gold was the idol I unconsciously worshipped; yours could be money, other assets, your career, your physical attributes, a portrait, your spouse, children - anyone, or anything for that matter. Ensure that you do not worship anything or anyone other than the only True God. You do not have to physically bow to objects or persons for them to become idols that you worship. Anyone or anything that takes the place of God in your life, or is depended on more than Him is an idol. May we be guided!

Shalom, good people!

Yours Firmly in His Grip, ​

Deborah O Daniel (Toyin)