A Divided Heart

During my recent trip to Cambodia, there was no shortage of images and idolatry.  Temples, shrines, and monks were commonplace.  The smell of burning incense was strong in shops, hotel lobbies, and restaurants.  The worship of anything other than the Living God from a biblical perspective is idolatry, and it is endemic to all people.  Idols in Cambodia can be pasted on the walls or be given an offering of food, but idols in western societies can be a woman who can sing, a man who is in our favourite band, or scores touchdowns on Sunday.  Idolatry is rife even in the hearts of those who profess to trust and love God.  A prime example is seen in God's chosen people.

It was unlawful for the Jews under the Law of Moses to represent God with engravings or with a moulded representation of a human body, of mammals, fish, birds, or creeping thing, for it would provide a temptation to worship the works of men's hands (Deut. 4:16-18).  God is a Spirit, and must not be represented by anything created by Him or fashioned by men.  Even with the Law and sacrifice, the days of the judges was marked by a recurring phrase:  "Every man did what was right in his own eyes."  This too is idolatry:  the love of self.  Self-seeking, self-esteem, and self-focus can be blights even in Christians.  That is why we must repent and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, being faithful disciples and making disciples of Jesus Christ. 

What makes idolatry so sinister is it can be most subtle.  It is perfectly natural for us to consider ourselves in making common decisions.  Israel was blessed and fruitful, yet their abundance led to increased idolatry.  They more God gave them, the less they trusted Him.  The LORD spoke through the prophet in Hosea 10:1-2:  "Israel empties his vine; he brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit He has increased the altars; according to the bounty of his land they have embellished his sacred pillars. ² Their heart is divided; now they are held guilty. He will break down their altars; He will ruin their sacred pillars."  Israel did not bring fruit unto the LORD, but for himself.  God was robbed of tithes and offerings.  Sacrifices continued to be offered to God and also to the hosts of heaven.  But this was only evidence of a deeper issue:  one of a divided heart.  Idolatry produces a divided heart!  Part of the heart is loyal towards God, yet the affections and desires of the heart seek after other things.  Those guilty of a divided heart may have the appearance of outward piety, but are guilty of idolatry before God.

Do you have a divided heart?  Make the profession of Psalm 86:6-11 your prayer:  "Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. ⁷ In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me. ⁸ Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; nor are there any works like Your works. ⁹ All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. ¹⁰ For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. ¹¹ Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name."  May God's people have a united heart to fear and worship Him in truth always.