Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. (NIV)

I love the Psalms. I love that I can pray to our Lord with a psalm. I love that I can confess my anguish to our Lord with a psalm. And I love that I can learn more about our Lord with a psalm, which is what Psalm 115 helps me do.

‍

The lone verse cited above is the heart of today's devotion, but taken by itself it's not easily apparent what the application should be. To get to that, let's back up a bit. Here's more of the psalm:

‍

“But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats” (Ps. 115:4-7).

‍

It's clear now that the Psalmist is addressing idol worship. When you think of idol worship, what's the picture in your mind? If you're like me, you picture an image, usually a combined man/animal creature, cast or carved from metal or wood. Even the psalmist depicts idols as I imagine them to be. But what exactly is an idol? A quick Google search defines idol as:

1. An image used as an object of worship.

2. A false god.

3. One that is adored, often blindly or excessively.

All those definitions certainly fit the psalm, but could these definitions still apply today?  

What was your gut answer as you just read that question? If you're like me, you had to shake the image of people bowing to a craven image and realize that our modern “craven images” are more easily concealed within our hearts. And that is the real danger with modern idols: they're insidious, tricky to discern. They're hidden in our workspaces, entertainment, neighborhoods, culture, even churches – every aspect of our lives.

‍

Modern idols trick us into believing that we are justified to put self over God. Essentially, we are making ourselves a god. We are telling God, “Thanks, but you're not enough. I need me to complete me.” We then fill the gaps in our lives with our own version of righteousness, justice, and judgment. The temptation to do so is powerful, and dangerous! Psalm 115 makes clear the folly of worshiping an idol. You will become like the idol: lifeless.

‍

To help identify an idol that may be in your life, I offer this exercise: Democrat. Republican. What was your initial gut reaction as you read each word? What kind of feelings were invoked? Be honest. No one is passing judgment. Your feelings are between you and God. Now read Galatians 5:19-21:

‍

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (NIV)

‍

Are any of your feelings aligned with the flesh? If so, you just identified an idol that is tricking you towards lifelessness.

‍

But there is good news! Confess your idol to God. Ask his forgiveness. Bask in the joy that our God is a God who calls us to live a life in the Spirit. Focus on this truth: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).

‍

Democrat. Republican. Was there a difference in your gut reaction as you read each word a second time? Were your feelings more aligned with the fruits of the Spirit? Does the idol have less of a hold on you? Do you feel more alive? I pray that blessing upon you as together we pursue God’s calling to live life in the Spirit.

Not to me Lord, but to your name be the glory. May your Kingdom come on Earth as it is in heaven. I deeply desire you and invite you into my life. Please reveal to me any modern idols that are tricking me towards lifelessness. I confess these to you Lord, and ask your forgiveness. Walk with me Lord and bless me with a life fully alive in the Spirit. Praise the Lord. Amen.