Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3 KJV)
Around the time of 1400 B.C.E., we see God make a bold declaration. Saying that his people should not put anything before him. Nor should they worship any god besides him. Today, as Christians, we look at scriptures like this and don’t give them a second thought. In our opinion, we aren’t tempted by serving idols. However, there’s a lot more to idols than just Baal, Dagon, or the gods of the heathen. An idol is anything you fixate your time, your devotion, or attention on.
“Idolatry is the act of worshiping something or someone other than God, as if it were God. It can also refer to an excessive devotion to something.” (Wikipedia.)
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 10:12-14 KJV)
“Give me five minutes with any man and I can tell you who his god is”. (Rev. Johnny James)
What you’re constantly concerned about, or what you constantly confabulate about, can easily become your god. If all you talk about is politics, that's your god. The same with sports, television, income, or your very job. If the only thing you converse about is carnal, fleshly things. Then that’s a sure indicator that you're into idolatry.
Anything you put ahead of God is idolatry! My Grandpa has oftentimes reminded me when I miss a family event that it’s all about priorities. If it were my priority, I would be there. It’s the same with us as Christians. Whatever matters most is our priority. If God is not your main priority, then you have fallen into idolatry.
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Mark 7:7 KJV) According to national surveys, the average person watches around three hours of TV a day. Yet, most Christians complain when asked to pray for an hour. It is the opinion of this preacher that Hollywood doesn’t belong in an apostolic household. However, what you do in your home is between you, your pastor, and God. The main point I want to make with TV is that we shouldn’t spend more time watching movies than we do reading our Bible and praying. If we can’t spend three hours praying, then why should we spend three hours with entertainment? Anything we put above God is idolatry. It’s a sad thing when so-called “apostolic people” know more about movies, sports, or video games than they do about the Bible.
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (2 Corinthians 6:16-17 KJV). Does the Bible say we’re to obey the laws of the land? Yes. (Romans 13:1)
However, it does not say we are to be caught up in the laws of the land or who runs it. I’m not saying we shouldn’t vote. I vote. All that I am saying is that we shouldn’t be so enveloped in politics. That we can’t look at someone of the opposing party and still see a soul that needs Jesus. We also shouldn’t worship a candidate so much that we say that they can save America. Only Jesus can save America! We are not supposed to blend in with the world! It is my opinion not to even wear paraphernalia of one party or another. I personally do not think that it is becoming of an apostolic. Because as soon as you walk out your door, you've already lost half of the country to witness to. Again, I say, what you do is between you, your pastor, and God. This is just my opinion, not a scriptural fact.
I hope this has encouraged you to stir up the gift that is within you. Don’t let your priorities get messed up. Don't put the church on the sidelines. Don't let your prayer life fade away. Don't diminish your time studying God's Holy Word. Don't let anything come between you and Jesus. God should be our main priority!
Pray up, pray through, and let’s have revival till Jesus comes!
~Jacob E. Armstrong
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