Hidden Idols

Reflection: Exodus 20:23, Exodus 20:3-6

When I was still running after the things of the world, 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 piece 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. It was just one item, but 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 to my name at some point. 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 also found it very strange, that this Solid Gold-Hunting-and-Trading Venture was stressful from the onset. I had no peace: Running after debtors to collect money owed, 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 venture 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 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.  

When God revealed deep things to me about the items, and the ungodly activities some of the people I was trading with were involved in, I rededicated my life to Him and stopped making attempts to recover the pieces of jewellery that I still had out there and money I was owed. At some point, I also stopped wearing jewellery (I haven’t worn it till date). I woke up, one day and found that I had completely lost interest in everything that had to do with jewellery, solid gold or not. The stress was over. I finally had peace, and continued living my life without sorrow, staying beautiful inside and out, just as He created me. Hallelujah! LOL.

This testimony is not to specifically say that you are committing a sin if you invest in, or wear solid gold jewellery, diamonds, or other precious jewellery - the Lord did not give me a No-Jewellery Message for you. Speak to Him 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 upon your life. In my wild desire for worldly possessions, the devil seized an opportunity and carried out his own plan. If you are a believer abiding in Christ, the Holy Spirit will convict you of excesses, accordingly. Hopefully, you will heed His rebuke.

Many people (even believers in Christ) unconsciously worship idols, just like I did. You need to do some soul-searching if you find yourself drawn to a particular thing or a person more than our Lord God. Do the needful - unseat the idol! Solid Gold was the idol I unconsciously worshipped; yours could be money, other assets, your career, your physical attributes, a portrait, your spouse, your children, your spiritual leader - anyone, or anything for that matter. You do not have to physically bow to an object or a person for them to become the idol 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. Idolatry is an abomination to God - a grievous sin – (Exodus 20:3-6). May we be guided.

Shalom!

Deborah O Daniel (Toyin)