How are each of these people breaking God's first commandment?
The three previous examples do not represent sinful goals in themselves. Sally's desire to care for her appearance, Ron's keeping his car in good condition, and Mr. Andrew's seeking a promotion at his work are not sinful goals. However, we can make legitimate objects and goals idolatrous by overemphasizing their importance, by making them the "gods" of our lives - the things to which we devote our greatest interest, time, and effort; look to for security; and believe in for happiness.
Idolization can also take place by making idols of more sinful objects or practices. Explain how the following examples illustrate this truth.
The young people's group from Mike's church has planned a topic-and-discussion evening for Friday night. "Are you coming, Mike?" Vince asked.
"No way," Mike responded. "I've got better things to do! Bob, Carl, and I are cruising around town Friday night to see who we can pick up!"
What is Mike's idol? How is he breaking God's first commandment? Which other commandments will he probably end up breaking?
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Read Genesis 22:1-2: And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And He said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. How was God testing Abraham regarding his obedience to the first commandment? |
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That which we hope and trust will give us deepest happiness and joy is our "god." What does Mike's answer reveal about his "god"? |
