A Definition of Idolatry

# 160 - Today's Du-votional comes from: 1Sa 12:21, "And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.” (1 Sam 12:21) Samuel again reminds the people of their need to serve God alone. Looking to anything other than God for deliverance or increase in value (profit) is idolatry. Sometimes, in our modern and enlightened world we think we are not guilty of the sin of idolatry. I mean who bows down to images made with human hands? But here we have an excellent definition of idolatry. To “go after” something in the Hebrew language used here, is to loiter. To engage in idolatry then is to “hang out” with things that are powerless to deliver you, or give you anything of lasting value. Here's the thing about loitering. When we loiter after worthless things, it keeps us from pursuing that which has true worth. What are you “hanging out” with that is keeping you from a pursuit of Jesus? What is keeping you from “seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness?” Where are you loitering instead of pressing on? Loitering is a great enemy of the faith, it leads to idolatry. But the Holy Spirit speaking through the Apostle Paul has a remedy. Php 3:12b, “but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Press on beloved. Just pretend that Officer Holy Spirit has come up to the street corner where you have been loitering and says, “okay people break it up,” there is nothing here of lasting value for you.” Then move on, leaving your idols and pressing on with Paul seeking to lay hold of that for which Jesus Christ laid hold of you.