The Characteristics of Idolatry

# 86 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 7:3,4 “Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, "If you return to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines." 4 So the children of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. (1 Sam 7:3,4) The people were at the mercy of the more powerful Philistines. They were living in constant fear, without peace, continual defeat. Living in lament. Remember, the Philistines are a type of the devil, the world, and our flesh. And right now it seems that all three are having their way in the church and in our land. But look at the promise here! God says he will deliver us from the hand of the Philistines. But there are conditions. Samuel says, “if you are serious about changing your situation, then start out by removing the foreign gods among you. Let me tell you about these foreign gods of the Philistines. The worship of these gods was characterized by the practice of human sacrifice, ritual prostitution, homosexuality, and self-mutilation.” Hmmmm, sound familiar? Abortion, a lack of sexual restraint, homosexuality, and cutting are all rampant in the land. This is the fruit of idolatry. These are the signs that idolatry is present in the land. We bemoan all of these godless actions, but maybe we should start by bemoaning our own idolatry. I think it is interesting that Ashtaroth means increase, it comes from a word that means riches. The question begs to be asked, who are we serving? God or mammon? Are we willing to put away our infatuation with material goods and become infatuated with God? Is God more important to you than your wallet and creature comforts? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” More importantly, when we go all in with God, we will experience victory over the world, our flesh, and the devil.