Growing up, I can remember hearing sermons about idolatry and how dangerous it was to become too hyper-focused on something for fear that I would end up idolizing it. I can remember going to the barn and loving the horses I cared for, so much, that I was afraid they would turn into my idols. I'll never forget telling my father, the late Reverend William H. Tilton, that I loved horses. Boy, was that a mistake. My dad proceded to give me one of his famously long lectures about the dangers of idolatry. Knowing me, I probably fell asleep, and knowing him, he probably didn't notice. lol But, I have to say, I had a holy fear for both my Father in heaven (still do!) and my father on earth.
There was and is no way I will ever knowingly go down the road of idolatry but there is a fine line, according to Jonah from the Bible. In the New Century Version, Jonah 2: 8-9 says "People who worship useless idols give up their loyalty to you. Lord, I will praise and thank you while I give sacrifices to you. And I will do what I promise. Salvation comes from the Lord!" Those very people who worship useless idols and give up their loyalty to God probably do so slowly. It probably doesn't happen all at once because Satan likes to creep in with temptation. Oh, he's a sly one. Don't let him tempt you, friends. Let's be well-dressed in the armor of our Lord (Ephesians 6:10-18). Study the Word every day of your lives. Listen to what He has to tell you. I believe that everything written in the bible holds significance; otherwise, why else would it be God-breathed?
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