The stuff of life has a way of turning our hearts away from God. False gods include money, success, school, careers, romantic relationships, children, and more. Tim Keller, in Counterfeit Gods, defines a false god this way: “Anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”
In 1 Samuel we find the Israelites falling away from God as they fell for false gods (1 Samuel 7:1-3). After tasting defeat at the hands of the dreaded Philistines and subsequently enduring deadly divine punishment due to disobedience, the people felt distant from Him (1 Samuel 4:1-2, 6:19). They cried out, “Who is able to stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?” (1 Samuel 6:20).
Much like the way we think and sometimes behave when we’re feeling weak or insecure, the people turned to false gods to try to fill the spiritual hole in their heart. We might seek material things, achievements, or sex to make us feel better. But nothing will satisfy our deep desire and need for God.
Samuel the prophet made it clear that the Israelites had been looking for hope and meaning in all the wrong places. He said to the people, “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods . . . . Determine to obey only the Lord” (1 Samuel 7:3). Fortunately, they got rid of their false gods (1 Samuel 7:4).
The end result? Out of obedience flowed blessing—the Israelites were able to defeat the Philistines in battle (1 Samuel 7:10). The One true God conquered a people who worshiped false gods.
What are the false gods in your life? Turn them over to God as you seek Him and His blessing alone.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 18:1-14
More:
Read Isaiah 43:10 and note what God says about Himself and false idols.
Next:
When are you most prone to seek false gods? Why can they never satisfy your deepest needs?
jimgroberts on August 22, 2013 at 7:27 am
A great word Tom and much appreciated in this media world full of enticements.
I myself quite unknowingly made a cross that I had around my neck into an idol when I began to feel that it gave me power and authority. Later the Lord caused me to lose it and I realised how much I was missing it.
Satan is a subtle master deceiver who even caused Gods people to make an idol of a cross of bronze snakes that god had fashioned to save them. When we ritualise Gods works of power they become idols and religion with no power.
This calls for discernment and complete dependence on God. That is why in Revelations when Jesus judges the seven churches he tells them and you and me ““He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
tom felten on August 22, 2013 at 7:59 am
Jim, thanks for sharing your story. Isn’t it interesting that even “good things” such as a cross necklace—identifying you with Christ—can become idols. It’ so easy for children, our spouse, our jobs, and our ministries to eclipse God’s preeminent place in our lives. Instead, may we seek to glorify Him alone today—pouring out His love and compassion on all people we know and meet.
ehdlive on August 22, 2013 at 10:23 am
The world acts as our counterfeit lover which entices us with its beauty and charm. Unless we lay down our guards, it will allure us of its fascination, and further turn our hearts away from GOD.
ajitna on August 22, 2013 at 11:54 am
False gods are very subtly introduced in this world that exists on “relativism”. The whole thing of something being “acceptable” to a vast majority and being portrayed as being “innocent” or even at time “Intelligent” easily snags people. As Christians we need to be very alert; awake and well educated in God’s Word so that we will be able to identify these subtleties. Al Mohler’s article on the need for the return to solid expository preaching in the church (Christianity.com) is timely i this regard.
mike on August 22, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Thanks for te good word Tom.
I am reminded that when my heart and my hands hold onto idols and false gods I am then unable to fold them in prayer or lift them in praise to the One true God.
May our eyes remain “fixed on Jesus” as we journey on His earth.
Blessings
winn collier on August 27, 2013 at 3:59 pm
Alongside of wondering what gods I’ve given my allegiance to, I also wonder what gods we have collectively given our allegiance to. sobering.