“Micah set up a shrine and he made a sacred ephod and some household idols. Then he installed one of his sons as the priest. In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:5-6 NLT).
You wouldn’t dare, you say to yourself. Idols? Statues to worship? Never—it’s against God’s law.
Did you notice what Micah’s gods were called? Household idols. House related. Things around the house. Nothing elaborate. Not necessarily made of gold or silver. Things that distracted but didn’t really look as sinful as what they were.
Are you still saying you wouldn’t? Haven’t? Couldn’t?
The things I worship do not sit on an altar. The things that draw my attention away from God aren’t always flashy. The idols I set up and spend time, effort and money on may not look exactly like Micah’s—but it’s 2012, after all.
The cleaners I use to ensure that my house shines and looks as nice as Sister So-and-So’s. The certain balance I want to keep in my checkbook—a comfortable balance. The extracurricular events that portray a well-rounded family. The lawn that needs mowing on Sunday, always on Sunday, only on Sunday and every Sunday. The computer that steals my time away from beneficial things. The issues I allow to ruin my day of rest and my focus on worship.
I’m guessing our household gods look a lot alike. Sad, isn’t it?
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for those involved in cleanup efforts from this past week’s barrage of storms. Trust God to redeem these losses for His glory and pray for opportunities to share God’s love and grace to those without hope.
