Bulletin Article
August 5, 2001


The Modern Version of Idolatry

By Doug Long

(Sing it to the tune of Old McDonald Had A Farm)

The McDonalds went to Church ei-ei-o
Idolatry was in their hearts ei-ei-o.
With a football game and a soccer mom
Dirty house job stress gotta buy a new dress
The McDonalds went to Church ei-ei-o.

The McDonalds stayed at home ei-ei-o
They had too many things to do ei-ei-o
With a basket ball game, and a dirty car
T-ball - base ball - every time a phone call
The McDonalds stayed at home ei-ei-o.

I am trying to make a point here. This is what I call modern day idolatry. We don’t have the clay or metal idols that they had in the old days, but I think these things are just as powerful. They separate us from the true worship of God. We can say I love God and I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but when we don’t bother to go to Church or Devo, what is that saying? James 2:17-18 says 17Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! By not attending are we demonstrating our faith? Hebrews 10:24-25 says 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Are we encouraging our brothers? Are we doing what is pleasing to God? Are we bringing our kids up to fear God, or are we bringing them up to love the world? I have heard parents say that they fear that their kids will resent Church if they make them skip things that are important to them. Why can’t Church be important to them? Parents should find things their kids can do on days that don’t interfere with worshiping our heavenly father. There is nothing wrong with leaving a practice early either, and that would be a good demonstration of faith to the entire team. Our children’s eternal salvation depends on what is going on in their hearts, and their relationship with God should be right. As parents it is our responsibility to teach them this. Part of that bringing them up right is to give them a healthy respect for doing what is right, and going to Church is right, going to Devo is right, going to the evening assembly is right. Skipping these on a regular basis is undoubtedly wrong. So ask yourself, as I will, are you setting a good example?

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