Ordinary Things

In Isaiah 44, God talks about the foolishness of idolatry. He says all who make carved idols are nothing. He points out that the craftsmen, who are forming the materials into idols, are mere men.

The ironsmith shapes the iron, using a chisel, as he works it over the coals. He forms the idol's core with hammers. As he works, he becomes hungry and exhausted. He drinks no water and grows tired. He is only human.

The carpenter measures out the wood. He marks the shape of the idol with red chalk, using a plane and a compass. He marks it like the form of a man, like the beauty of man that God created. All this so that it may sit in a house.

He cuts cedars and takes a cypress or oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir, and the rain nourishes it. Then, it becomes fuel for a man to burn. He uses it to warm himself and to bake bread. Out of the same wood, he makes a god and worships it.

The same wood used for ordinary things, he falls down and worships. He burns half of the wood in the fire. Over this fire, he roasts meat, eats, and is full. He says, "Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire." With the wood that is left, he makes a god, a carved idol. He falls down before it, worships it, and prays to it, saying, "Save me, for you are my god."

Because God has muddied his eyes, he cannot see or understand that he burned half of the log in the fire, baked bread and roasted meat over that fire, and is now worshipping what is left. He doesn't even realize he is worshipping a block of wood. He feeds on ashes and is satisfied with ashes. A deceived mind has led him astray, so that he cannot save himself or ask, "Is this thing that I am holding in my right hand not a lie?"

Think about money in our modern world. We depend on money to live. We use it to buy food, clothes, houses, cars, and anything else we need or want. When we run out of money, our government just prints more. It is a man-made system that has left many destitute and without hope.

Many Christians worry about how their bills will get paid. They stress over their kids having everything they want. Will I be able to buy new clothes and shoes? Will I be able to indulge in retail therapy? What about my expensive coffees? I need a vacation!

For some, not having enough money sitting in the bank causes them to feel insecure. They wonder what else they can do to grow their bank accounts. With the pursuit of money and things, many have forgotten God altogether. As long as they can spend like they want, there is no need to depend on God. As long as they have their backup plan, they feel secure.

Just like the man who makes his god out of ordinary wood, how often have we made a god out of money and things that will pass away at the end of the age? We chase after ordinary things that have no value in eternity. A deceived mind has led many astray.

Christians, remove the idols from your life and worship the one, true living God. Look to Him to supply EVERYTHING you need. Chase after Him like you chase after your wants that only satisfy your flesh. Those who worship anything besides God are considered NOTHING by God, and they will be put to shame.

Psalm 37 tells us to delight ourselves in the Lord, and He will give us the desires of our hearts. Philippians 4 tells us not to be anxious about ANYTHING. Matthew 6 tells us to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness FIRST, then all these other things will be given to us. We will have peace in our hearts and minds when we TRULY look to God for everything we need and want instead of man-made idols.