Two dolphins—Shadow and Chelmers—died of a drug overdose at the Connyland Marine Park in Switzerland. Forensic experts suppose that partygoers at a nearby rave placed a heroinlike substance into the dolphins’ tank water. The dolphin trainers who found Chelmers described him as “shaking all over and foaming at the mouth.” Based on these symptoms and the presence of buprenorphine in the dolphins’ bodies, it seems likely that the dolphins died due to their toxic environment.
It’s somewhat surprising that God led His own people into a land that was toxic in a spiritual sense. It was polluted with idolatry. To prepare them for this challenge, Moses said, “When the Lord your God goes ahead of you and destroys the nations . . . do not fall into the trap of following their customs and worshiping their gods” (Deuteronomy 12:29-30). To make sure they weren’t infected by any of the poisonous practices, Moses commanded them to break down the pagan altars, smash sacred pillars, cut down carved idols, and torch the Asherah poles (Deuteronomy 12:3).
After all that work was finished, God knew His children could still be enticed to worship false gods. This temptation could come from phony prophets, family members, or even close friends. God considered that seductive situation to be a test. If the Israelites tuned in to their peers and tuned Him out, God would know that they lacked wholehearted love for Him.
Today, many of us live in toxic environments where the threat of idolatry is less obvious, but just as dangerous. Letting culture dictate our worship may mean bowing down to celebrity talent, pridefully reveling in our children’s accomplishments, or honoring nature rather than the Creator. Consider smashing the not-so-obvious idols in your life so that you can better follow the first commandment (Exodus 20:3).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 15:1-20
More:
To learn about idolatry’s pointless nature, read Psalm 115:4-8. Read 1 Kings 18:21 to see Elijah’s challenge to Baal worshipers. Read Hebrews 12:28-29 for more on worshiping God.
Next:
Why is idolatry sometimes difficult to spot in our modern world? Why is it significant that “You must not have any other gods before Me” precedes the other commandments?
Doug on March 12, 2013 at 6:27 am
when I protect and care for nature I DO honor God, its creator.
To stand by and allow the pillage and rape of the land, the wonton misuse and overuse of resources, the profligate pollution of air and water, the extermination of species in the name of profit, I am NOT being the faithful servant entrusted to care for HIS creation but instead a greedy heathen who only acts for self and personal profit.
There IS a middle way that allows both responsible use based in good stewardship and protects His creation for those who follow.
jennifer benson schuldt on March 12, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Hi Doug,
This world is indeed, God’s creation (Psalm 24:1). Because of this, I think a Christian’s perspective on conservation and earth stewardship should come from our respect for The Creator.
We are basically renters and God is the landlord. Experiencing the beauty and wonder of nature can point us to God. Seeing all that He has made shows us His vast creative power and it shows us that He appreciates beauty and diversity.
It’s important to take care of the Earth, and to do so out of appreciation for God.
tom felten on March 12, 2013 at 9:39 am
Jen, thanks for the reminder that anything that comes before God in our life is an idol—even “good” things. May we truly grasp what God is saying in Exodus 20:3: “You must not have any other god but me.”
jennifer benson schuldt on March 12, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Tom,
Thanks for your comment! As I read the Old Testament, I find myself shaking my head at the Israelite’s idolatry. I think, “How could they so clearly ignore God in favor of idols they crafted with their own hands?” (Isaiah 44:10).
Then, I look at my own life and I see the idols I have created—not little carved figurines, but other things. Unfortunately, I’m often just like the Israelites!