IDOLATRY
The term IDOLATRY is derived from the word
IDOL. In itself, an IDOL can be described as anything/anyone that is well
revered, admired and worship. The English dictionary describes it as “A graven
image or representation of anything that is revered or believed to convey
spiritual powers”.
From a layman view, when we here the term
IDOL, our first point of reason is usually the Village or Traditional powers;
but from the definition earlier stated, we can boldly say that IDOLATRY is way
beyond that.
If we critically look at the society today,
we would see that we have so many idolaters who are not even aware that they
have an idol in their lives.
Here are few tips to know if you are an
IDOLATER or NOT:
a.
YOUR RELIGIOUS LEADER IS PERFECT: Aha! Got
someone’s attention there! If as an individual you cannot see any weakness in
the life or ministry of your religious leader, I think you should pause and
think. Although God expects his children to be PERFECT, but as long as we are
on earth, we can only but keep WALKING/ WORKING towards perfection. When you hold the notion that the person
leading you cannot make a mistake, then you have moved him/her from being a
humane to being a “god”. Directly or indirectly you have become an IDOLATER
b.
WHEN YOU ARE READY TO SHED BLOOD: One of the key
ingredients for any ritual is BLOOD. If you find out that you are willingly and
ready to shed another person’s blood just to fulfill the desires or wishes of
an individual, know for sure that that individual has become your god. Political fanatics are mostly guilty in this
regard. They are easily brainwashed to inflict pain on an opposition just for
their “god” to attain a particular height.
c.
WITHOUT HIM/HER YOU ARE INCOMPLETE: Love is a
beautiful thing; but when not controlled, it can become a terrible thing.
Certain people get so attached to family, friends, loved ones, work or groups
that without it/them, they are incomplete. That shouldn't be. Anything or
Anyone that would make you lose your senses or sense of direction in its
absence is nothing less than a god in your life. Young people mostly fall culprit in this
regard. *
d.
IF IT’S YOUR ONLY SOURCE OF
HAPPINESS OR SUCCOR : When Saul was tormented by evil spirits, David Strings
brought comfort to his soul (1st Samuel 16:23); that it
understandable; however, if the only thing that gets you excited and happy is a
person, event, TV Program, or activity, please know that that thing or activity
is becoming your god. Yea, you may want to ask, is it a crime to have a Passion?
Absolutely NOT, we all should be passionate about something, but what passion
brings is way deeper than what Happiness does. Passion brings peace not
necessarily happiness. Happiness can come up easily without peace. Its a thin
line, but the line exists.
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