All through Hosea we see over and over God's anger at people choosing to worship inanimate idols instead of worshipping Him, the one and only living God. So the big message--Quit putting other things before God!
Now I don't have an idol like the golden calf we read about in chapter 8, but I have certainly made other things idols in the sense that I have allowed them to divert my attention away from God. So let's think about idols in our lives. I'll start a list with a few things I can let become idols and then you all chime in with some others. Here goes: Sports like golf or football (this is not just a guy idol), work, spending money, eating/working out....Ok, you get the gist. Now let's hear from you about other possible idols. (Please help me out here. I don't want to be the only confessor.)
Once we get a list going, let's do an assessment (each of us on our own) and see what areas in our lives need some shoring up. I'm looking forward to seeing the list grow because, if I'm honest, I'm sure there are other things that I need to be tuned into that can take my focus off of God. Tami W.
Tami; So how does one know that say for example; sports or food has become an "idol" to them. Is this something personally that you alone with God have conversation about. What determines, in your mind that you are recognizing other activities as idolic?
Thanks; David G.
Good Morning Tami, haven't been doing P4 for a while, but I am back! Missed ya! As I look at my dwindled check book due to over shopping this month, I know what my idol is. I am sorry to say how materialistic I really am. I want to buy what I want, when I want it. ouch. This confession stings. I have been aware of $ as an idol for some time, but I do forget and slip back into putting the joy and happiness of shopping and new things in place of being satisfied by God. another ouch. There is no doubt the Holy Spirit led me back to P4 for such a time as this. Thanks
Guilty as charged! I all too often find myself caught up in the "priorities" of the day and fail to keep the true priority, Jesus, as the focal point of my day. I hope that we all as believers, remember to place Him as the center of our day. First, middle and last, and by doing so, give Jesus the honor that he deserves. Help us Lord God to remember each day how blessed we are and how You and You alone are supreme.
David,
Thanks for your question. Here are a few things that help clue me in to when I'm letting something become an idol. Bear with me here, it might get long.
With sports, when I find myself thinking about the game I can't wait to take in Sunday afternoon half of Sunday morning; or maybe I cut a church activity short or postpone arriving at one because of whatever game or round I'm allowing myself to be consumed with. Here's another sports one--when I realize at the end of day or week that I've spent lots of time fixating on a particular game or following a particular player.
Some of the same things are true with eating and exercise for me. At the end of the week, if I've been more diligent and concerned with keeping my eating and exercise on track than with keeping my time in the Word on track, that's not good. And with spending money, if pretty much all I'm thinking about is what I think I need or what more I can get when my next paycheck comes, well when I wise up and realize it, that's an indicator to me too.
And then, there are other times when God just lays it on my heart that I'm not giving Him the time, attention and devotion that He's due. It makes me sad, but I'm sure thankful when that happens.
So I hope this is helpful. There really isn't a formula or anything. For me, it's an exercise of trying to be tuned in more. I have found, though, that starting out my day in the Word is definitey a help. Tami W.
Good morning and best wishes for this christmas season from Kingston ,Jamaica. I have not been blogging in awhile but have certainly been reading in Hosea.(great chapter).God is a God of judgement, but also a God of MERCIES! I too have to confess my priorities are not at all times towards God. I love watching television and sometimes in the early morning i get so preoccupied with my children and my husband i miss out on quality time with God. I feel quilty because i know it should not be this way and so we just have to get it right and place God at the forefront of our lives, not easy but God put us first where Jesus gave his life for us ,we must do the same.My favourite verses chapter 6vs 1-3 just a reminder that God loves his people but he hates the things we do.
I just think of all the things which I am tempted to do instead of reading the bible or praying. For me, these are things like housework (and the pursuit of a spotless, perfect house) and internet searches. How tempting to end a study prematurely when I suddenly think of something I've been wanting to do on the internet, especially when I'm already online doing the biblestudy. With a simple click of a button, I'm off. To suddenly tune out of what God has been saying to me, is like turning my back on a friend, mid-conversation. Except worse, since he is the Almighty God.
Yea right. as for me, the worst idol anybody could have is right there in the word ( the very first letter) the "ï" or the 'self'. it's really difficult to come to know God really well and truly worship Him until that 'Í' (self) is surrendered. Then, that's when the Big VICTORY comes! Thank you JESUS!
One of my biggest idols is a "To Do" list. Even though getting things done is a good thing; there are times that certain things on that list (or all of the list) comes before my time in God's word and my prayer time with Him. It is absolutely an incorrect view of what should constitute a successful day. I've come to realize that this kind of agenda becomes an idol that can determine the destiny of my day instead of seeking God's direction that day. Just like the joy of winning a sporting event, I get joy seeing that most of the things have been checked off the list. In place of that, I should be seeking God's agenda for the day and the real joy should come from seeing His agenda get accomplished and not mine. I agree with you Tami... the Big Message of Hosea 9 is "quit putting other things before God".
Hi Tammy,
"Susie H" hit it for me with Internet Searches....that is the one thing that is tempting about Bible Study on a computer is that you ARE 1 click away from checking on something that popped into your mind. Something to work on though - improving that is.
Also checking emails.....
Dian M - I think God would be okay with spending more time with your family if the occasion came up....
Good question Tammy....