You've probably heard the saying about mind over matter: if you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Fact is, matters of the mind DO matter. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23.7) How we think determines how we live.
In an age of obesity and rampant weight-related health issues, many people are becoming much more conscious of physical diet. But, discernment with mental diet is even more important. The food we serve our mind has implications for this life but, more importantly, it has implications for life in the age to come.
Yahweh God issues a stern warning in through the prophet Jeremiah: "Do not learn the way of the nations ... For the customs of the peoples are delusion" (Jeremiah 10.2-3). Nothing is easier than adopting the ways of the culture around us. Modern media shouts at us regarding products and services essential to our cultural lifestyle. More often than not, the message is effective. We accommodate budget and time to integrate these so-called essentials.
According to God's words through Jeremiah, the peril for God's people is the lure of idolatry. These idols are "wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers So that it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot walk!" (Jeremiah 10.3-5)
Given this description, it's a wonder anyone would follow and worship such anemic gods. But, the curse of idolatry is that it is rarely seen in these terms. Today's hand-crafted idols provide enticing entertainment, and perform tasks with superior scope and efficiency.
So, are modern conveniences and today's technology present-day idolatry? Hopefully not, because these thoughts are conveyed to you through them. The problem of idolatry is when a tool displaces the Creator, and His wisdom is required to know the difference.
It seems that the best remedy for the problem of idolatry is a healthy love and respect for our Father. The better we know and love Him, the less appeal today's idols have. "There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your name in might. Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations And in all their kingdoms, There is none like You." (Jeremiah 10.6-7).
May increasing love and respect for the Father supersede the allure of the modern idols around us.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
In an age of obesity and rampant weight-related health issues, many people are becoming much more conscious of physical diet. But, discernment with mental diet is even more important. The food we serve our mind has implications for this life but, more importantly, it has implications for life in the age to come.
Yahweh God issues a stern warning in through the prophet Jeremiah: "Do not learn the way of the nations ... For the customs of the peoples are delusion" (Jeremiah 10.2-3). Nothing is easier than adopting the ways of the culture around us. Modern media shouts at us regarding products and services essential to our cultural lifestyle. More often than not, the message is effective. We accommodate budget and time to integrate these so-called essentials.
According to God's words through Jeremiah, the peril for God's people is the lure of idolatry. These idols are "wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers So that it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot walk!" (Jeremiah 10.3-5)
Given this description, it's a wonder anyone would follow and worship such anemic gods. But, the curse of idolatry is that it is rarely seen in these terms. Today's hand-crafted idols provide enticing entertainment, and perform tasks with superior scope and efficiency.
So, are modern conveniences and today's technology present-day idolatry? Hopefully not, because these thoughts are conveyed to you through them. The problem of idolatry is when a tool displaces the Creator, and His wisdom is required to know the difference.
It seems that the best remedy for the problem of idolatry is a healthy love and respect for our Father. The better we know and love Him, the less appeal today's idols have. "There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your name in might. Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations And in all their kingdoms, There is none like You." (Jeremiah 10.6-7).
May increasing love and respect for the Father supersede the allure of the modern idols around us.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:13 AM
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