Idols
Beware of False Idols
Idolatry is a pejorative term for the worship of an idol, a physical object worshiped as though it were a god. Idolatry can also involve objects, persons, entertainment, even self. Anything that replaces the centrality of God in our life, can be a form of idolatry. Job, music, money, sex, popularity, success, all can become a form of idolatry. Even nationalism can take on the form of idolatry.
It is a troubling time when so many have given themselves over to self worship. How many ministers have the American flag placed centrally in their "worship centers", as though God were an American, and salvation was linked to patriotism. How many ministers spend more time preaching a nationalistic form of Christianity, while forgetting the Christ transcends cultures and nations. At the very time we need Christ the most, we allow ourselves, as a nation, to be distracted by entertainment, jobs, money, and politics. We are bowing down, as a people, before false idols.
The centrality of Christ, and our personal relationship with Him, must be guarded against any intrusion of false idols. We, personally, must examine our life, making sure nothing has become an idol for us. Like the people of Israel in ancient times, turned back to God, repenting of their worship of a false idol, so too, must we put down our golden calves.
Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Photo: Our Siberian Forest Cats, Lilly and Tigger, two of our monastery's three cats.
