A hero can be any person of distinguished valor, and one having great resolve. They may be a soldier in war; sports figures; entertainers, etc. In mythology, a hero was an illustrious person, once mortal, and by favor, and rule of the people, made to seemly be immortal. And after death, they are placed among the gods. The Egyptians, Greeks, the Caesars of Rome, all indulged themselves in these practices.
In America, many of our hero’s have become idols. We have built Halls of fame to house their achievements, rewards, and history. Many athletes, musicians, and entertainers, all are adored, and honored, even after death.
It’s one thing to give credit to, and acknowledge a great athlete, a doctor, scientist, or other academic, or even a great race horse. These people, and things wow us! they amazed us! they disserve respect! but they are not to be made idols of.
Idols used to differ from hero’s; idols are images carved, molded, or drawn, to resemble that of a man, a creature, or some other thing. When finished, they were/are placed on altars, and candles lit before them. Then the knees begin to bow, and the lips begin to pray to the lifeless figure that dances in the shadows made from the burning flames.
An idol may be someone we love, or adore, or it may be some material thing, or an event that we have set your affections on. It may be something in which you excessively indulge in; and have a sinful attachment to. It is anything you place above Jesus Christ. Many today are given to sex, drugs, and alcohol, these are the ancient gods of fallen men.
American’s seem to have many idols to choose from these days. In sport, entertainment, politics, and religions; each having their fair share of worshipers.
God said, “Thou shalt not.”
Remember, every negative has a positive, or else it can’t be a negative. When God tells us not to worship idols, He is telling us to give Him all our love, affection, time, and worship. Therefore help yourself to the real deal; help yourself to Jesus Christ; His Holy Spirit; and receive the benefits of all they have to offer.
Then watch your life change. Not by man, or beast, neither some figure, or memory; but by the living God, the Creator, and Savior of the world.
What can an impostor give anyone? They are deceitful, frauds, pretenders. Can an imposter give you life, love, hope? What they do is take from you; not give. Today, the idols of sport, and entertainment are stealing our time. The sport stadiums in America are full every Saturday, and Sunday, but not our churches. Why? Its no secret; American’s would rather spend time with their heros, and idol’s than with God.
Here is what God has to say about the idols: today in our culture, we can add to this list the new idols Americans have created.
Psalms 115: 4-8, Your “Idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one (else) that trusts in them.”
“O (Christian) trust in the Lord: for He is our help, and our shield.” There is no other.
What is it we can compare God to? By what standard can we measure Him? What man is there or has there ever been that can be put to the same test our Savior was put to? The answer to all three is, “None.”
We worship a jealous God; His jealously is a holy and righteous jealously.
Isaiah 40:25, “To whom then will you liken me, or shall I be equal?
Phillip LaSpino from, www.seekfirstwisdom.com