What Gets the Incense?

"(Idols) have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see; ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat" (Psalm 115:4–7).

Idolatry used to be direct—dancing around the Baalim and the Asherah poles. Present-day idolatry is more subtle and much harder to detect.

If we want to know our idols we need to think about what we think about, for our predominant thoughts revolve around the things that we treasure (Matthew 6:21). Our last thoughts before we go to sleep; our musings when we awaken; our reveries throughout the day—these images point to the gods that we love.

But therein lies a bitter irony: We were made for "steadfast love and faithfulness" and no matter how much we love our gods they cannot love us back (Psalm 115:1).

David Roper

5.18.18