Norman Powell: When Good Things Become Gods

I always thought idolatry belonged to ancient temples—until I discovered one quietly forming in my own heart.

Lately, God has been inviting me to live more deeply by reflecting on the first of His Ten Commandments: “I am the Lord your God… you shall not have other gods before Me.” As I have been reading commentaries and meditating on this passage in Exodus 20:2–3, I have come to realize how significant it is that this command appears at the very top of the list. His Word reminds us not to make idols in the form of anything.

I have always been fascinated by God’s creation—the universe, life on earth, and especially human beings.

Through these reflections, I have realized how easy it is for me to begin placing some of these elements of creation on the altar of my heart.

Early in my career as a journalist, I admired a radio and television personality in Buenos Aires, Argentina, who was an exceptional communicator. I listened to him every day and studied his shows, trying to learn his skills and style. At the time, he became central to my professional aspirations. Now I realize that he had become an idol for me.

My conclusion is that I must be more vigilant in guarding my heart to avoid situations like that.

I used to think that idols were mainly images to which people pay tribute in some churches or other public places, such as paintings and sculptures.

But the Bible clearly teaches that anything in life can become an idol—even the best things.

The greatest danger is not always worshiping bad things, but loving good things more than God.