A Genuine Imitation

 "The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see, they have ears but cannot hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them." Psalm 135: 15-18

    I had a wallet when I was a kid that was embossed in gold letters: Genuine Imitation Leather. I wish it were that easy as an adult to spot falsehood...or maybe it is? 

    The Bible speaks of idols, when people would fashion a golden calf or something similar to worship. They would even go so far as to sacrifice their child on its altar (Leviticus 20:3).

    It may not always be so easy to identify idols in America, but an idol is anything in which a person places their allegiance, trust or hope instead of God.

    If we are upset about something, do we call a friend before giving it over to God to handle? When the stressors of life overwhelm us, do we pour a glass of wine and escape in a movie? Do we overeat to dispel ghosts from the past? Perhaps anxiety tempts us to treat ourselves to something new on Amazon because we "deserve it." Will a vacation quiet the voices of worry? Are we looking to the government to fix the blights of society? Do we desire the affirmation from others to fulfill our identity?

    Where do we place our hope? In whom do we trust? The above verse tells us that we become like what we worship. If we place our hope in the Lord, we will begin to resemble Him. Peace will replace worry. Truth will supplant lies. Faith will work on our fears. Self-control will stay our hand. Contentment will close our wallet. Wisdom will still our tongue. Hope will light our future. Repentance will foster forgiveness and love will melt icy hate. 

    Jesus identified himself as being the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He also correctly labeled Satan as the father of lies (John 8:44). If we are not following Jesus, we are being led by lies. 

"No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say...'Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?'" Isaiah 44:19-20