SCRIPTURE
"Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but to not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound with their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them." (Psalm 115:4-8)
OBSERVATION
Idols are the work of human hands. Their origin is with man, not God. They are powerless. Even though they may have features (mouths, eyes, ears, etc.), they cannot speak, see, or hear. The psalmist was not so much concerned with the appearance of the idol but the effect it would have on a person's character and on their spirit. The problem is that those who make them become like them, taking on their characteristics. We are what we worship. It's a similar thought to we are what we eat. We don't turn into a Krispy Kreme donut but it is the effect that the donut has on our bodies that is the concern. Similarly, those who worship idols do not physically look like them but it is the effect that the idol has on their heart.
The idols we deal with are more than statues they are philosophies and worldviews. If our idol is money, we tend to become greedy and covetous. If our idol is sensuality, we tend to become licentious. If our idol is self we become very self centered. If our idol is acceptance, we compromise and flatter to get people to like us. The heart is formed by what we worship.
APPLICATION
The answer is found in verse 9, "O, Israel, trust in the Lord!" He is the one I am to model and become like. He is the one who should shape my character. It is much easier in the short run to fashion my own idols but it will not lead to Christ likeness or godliness in my actions. The Lord is holy, or set apart, so I need to make sure he is the entire focus of my worship. It is true, I become what I worship. And becoming like God is a great thing.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to keep you as the only object of my worship.
