1st Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
This passage of scripture teaches us the solemn truth that God restrains certain fierce temptations from coming our way, lest we be overthrown by them. But it also tells us that we have a part to play, in avoiding all kinds of idolatry. Idolatry has its roots in any philosophy that places material things or created beings on a higher level of importance than God, and the practice runs the entire gamut from a supreme love of self, to a disproportionate love of the temporal things of life, both animate and inanimate, over God.
In ancient times idolatry was usually manifested in a love of the works of man, in the building of graven images, in idols, in art, and material inventions. It was also displayed in the way many individuals ardently sought the admiration of themselves by others instead of God, and it is from this latter concept that we have derived what we today know as "The stars".
Anyone or anything that gets our utmost attention, our supreme regard, or our unswerving loyalty instead of God is an idol, and according to the passage above, we should flee from it, since it can cause eternal loss if we cling to it. In the days of the ancient Hebrews, there was an ongoing devotion to one such idol by the name of Tammuz, and the affections of the people were so deeply intertwined with this graven image, that it often solicited the deepest emotional outbursts, with tears and crying from the women who went to worship it. What is worthy of note is that it was placed strategically at the gated entrance to the Lord's house, so that before entry could be made to worship God as the supreme Ruler of the universe, the "star" Tammuz was allowed to to gain their utmost attention, and so it literally became the center of attraction, whilst God was put on the back-burner. Let's read:
Ezekiel 8:13 He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do. 14 Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord's house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz.
But what is even worst than this irreverent and unwarranted display of brazen idolatry is when we set up ourselves to be the focal point of the admiration of men. When this is our prime motivation, we are then moved to do or say whatsoever will please the multitude of onlookers, irregardless of whether God will be honored or His name be disgraced by our words and actions, and this then causes us to be at the mercy of popular opinion, and the sport of circumstances.
This is exactly what occurred when Herod decided to make a stunning display of his person and oratory abilities, with the sole motive of garnering the admiration and worship of his subjects. But God is not to be trifled with, and when ancient and modern idolatry is indulged to a fearful extent, our proverbial wings can be clipped in unexpected times and ways that can cause us to eat a considerable amount of "Humble pie". Herod's experience thus stands as a beacon of warning to all who continue to put God in second or third place in their affections. Let's read:
Acts 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
In our day and in our own experiences, modern idolatry occurs with inordinate pride in financial, or educational achievements. It also takes place with the performance of any unnecessary plastic surgery where foreign materials are introduced into our bodies for the sole purpose of boosting our egos. It also has its footprint in the philosophy which places our opinions above what is clearly stated in the Bible, and the other numerous manifestations in stars, musicians, models, and rappers who are literally worshiped as gods, all bear the signet of idolatry to a lesser or greater extent.
However, the Bible is clear on this one point, that if we cling to our idols we will perish with them, because according to the scriptures, no idolater is going to pass through the pearly gates to again make God subjective to other concerns. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates this very point, and it is the will of God that we submit ourselves to be cleansed daily from the stains of this sin, through the renewing power of The Holy Spirit. Let's read:
Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
He that that ears to hear let him hear what The Spirit says unto the churches. "Good night" and God bless!