Taken from a graphic in my Bible looking at 'worshiping God' versus 'worshiping idols'. We know about worshiping God, but idols? We visualize an idol as an object we might wear or hold in our hands. Or what about the movie "The Ten Commandments" when the people were fashioning a golden calf as an idol.

We are exposed to 'idols' all the time. Our dictionary says, "an image of a god, used as something to be worshiped; might be a person or thing that is greatly admired or loved'. What might be our idols? Money,  superstars, computers, facebook connections? What is on your list? Other thoughts on your part?

WORSHIPING GOD vs. WORSHIPING IDOLS

long-range benefits......short-range benefits

gratification postponed......self-gratification immediate

morality required.........sensuality approved

high ethical standards demanded........low ethical standards tolerated

unseen God worshiped........visible deities worshiped

unselfishness expected.......selfishness condoned

strict religious practices maintained.........religious practices loosely regulated

changed life demanded.......changed life not demanded

ethical stand expected.......compromise and cooperation practiced

concern for others taught......no concern for others expected

"The temptation to follow false gods because of short-term benefits, good feeling, easy 'rules' or convenience is always present. But the benefits are deceptive because the gods are false. We worship God because he is the one and only true God."

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