Will Jurmu | The Voice of Zion March 2025 - Home & Family Article --
In 1 Corinthians 8, verses 1 through 4, we read, “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.”
Throughout our lives, we have often heard and read stories of idols. Some of these stories are very familiar to us, while others may not be.
We can pause for a moment and ponder: what is an idol? Do we still have idols today? If so, how do they take shape in our lives? Do we, in our own poor walk of faith, find ourselves following idols? These are all timely questions to ask.
For a moment, let us reflect on the presence of idols in our daily lives. In our society, we are surrounded by many important and influential people. At the click of a button, we can stay up to date on their every move. Often, our phones will even notify us of the latest news about celebrities, athletes, or politicians. These figures are well-known, and many of us follow at least one of them. The world constantly feeds us updates, encouraging us to invest our time, attention, and even admiration in these individuals.
Yet, in this constant flow of information, we should be cautious. Even in our own political views, we must ensure that our beliefs do not come between us and our fellow believers, breaking the love that binds us together. We can securely trust that even in the functions of our government, God has allowed and ordained public servants to work in their roles.
Athletes and celebrities can be entertaining to follow. There is nothing inherently sinful about enjoying their achievements. Yet, even in this area, we should ask ourselves: Are we simply consuming entertainment, or have we placed these figures in a position of influence over our hearts? Have we given them authority over our thoughts, emotions, and values?
Beyond public figures, we may unknowingly place importance on other idols in our lives. How many of us spend hours each week listening to podcasts? There are many that are good—offering financial advice, personal confidence, health and fitness guidance, and more. These can be beneficial and fruitful in our daily lives. Scripture itself encourages us to live a clean, healthy, and pure life.
Yet, even in this, we must be watchful. Do we become so enamored with those we follow that we forget where our daily bread and health truly come from? When we prioritize the instruction or teachings of humans above the instruction of God, we can slowly begin to reshape our understanding. With this new outlook, is there still room for faith in our hearts? Do we begin to search for new paths, only to find ourselves wandering from the old, true path?
With newfound freedom, do we spend more time looking in the mirror, trying to refine our outward image? This reflection is not only about our appearance but also about what lies in our hearts. Are we satisfied with what God has given us, or do we crave something more? Do we become dissatisfied with how we look, with what we know? Does God’s kingdom begin to seem dull in comparison to the world’s endless array of exciting ideas?
These are all fruits of the heart. We know that Satan will find any way to slip into a believer’s heart. When we turn our backs on God’s kingdom or seek new and exciting paths outside of it, Satan has won our hearts.
But in God’s kingdom, there are many gifts and blessings to be found. He has abundantly blessed us with intelligence, talents, and resources—not to serve ourselves, but to serve Him and His kingdom here on earth. The first commandment instructs, “I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt have no other gods beside me.” We are also taught that God is a jealous God. The gifts He has given us are not our own, and He can take them away at any moment.
It is human nature to seek more—more knowledge, more wealth, more health. God has blessed many in our society with wisdom in these areas. Yet, we are reminded in our Bible passage, “If any man think he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” Our understanding and knowledge cannot begin to comprehend the wisdom of God. As believers, we recognize that our talents are gifts from Him. This understanding should bring us to humility, not pride. As a fruit of faith we give all glory and thanks to God.
In Matthew 6:24, we are given clear instruction: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Mammon refers to worldly wealth and possessions.) When we try to serve two masters, they war against each other, consuming our faith.
Why does this happen? Because there are two opposing forces at work—good and evil, God’s kingdom and Satan’s. We cannot serve both. Satan does not want us to forgive one another. He wants us to believe that we can live by our own wisdom and understanding. He knows that if we follow this path, we cannot serve God. Instead, sin and self-reliance take possession of our hearts, replacing love and forgiveness.
Knowing that God is a jealous God, our first love should be placed in Him above everything else.
We read in our Bible text, “As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one” (v. 4). This verse gives us good instruction. When we consume the things of this world, do they glorify God? When we find ourselves caught up in politics, celebrities, athletes, or the many voices in media, we should pause and ask: Does this strengthen my faith?
Much of the instruction given in this world promotes individualism. Is our faith enriched when we become captivated by the teachings of the world? The child of God should turn to the congregation of God for instruction. As believers, we look out for one another.
The picture of Jesus going to gather the one lost sheep and bringing it back to the flock is a reminder of how we, too, should care for one another. God has blessed His flock with many gifts, and these gifts are given not for self-glory, but to help and support believers, the flock of God on earth.
Dear child of God, many of these things are not sinful in themselves. Yet, they are areas of watching. Be mindful of what takes root in your heart. When seeking instruction, turn first to the believers.
Jesus teaches that the greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the little child. This simple instruction reminds us that while we may strive for knowledge and success, these are not what make us heaven-acceptable. Children do not search for these things. Instead, they simply look to their parent for nourishment, love, and care.
So it is with us. As children of God, we should look to our heavenly Father for our nourishment and care. Let us strive to live our lives in obedience so that when our time on earth is over, our names may be written in the Book of Life in heaven.
Discussion questions:
1. What are some modern-day idols that can subtly take priority in our lives, even if they are not inherently sinful? How can we recognize when something has become an idol?
2. In what ways does individualism conflict with the biblical call to preserving fellowship among believers? How can we balance personal growth with a spirit of humility and service?
3. How do we ensure that the knowledge and wisdom we gain—whether through education, self-improvement, or media consumption—do not lead us away from faith but instead strengthen it?
4. Jesus teaches that a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. What qualities of a child’s faith should we strive to cultivate in our own walk of faith?
5. Reflecting on Matthew 6:24 (no one can serve two masters) what are some practical ways we can guard our hearts against divided loyalties and keep God as our first love?