In the first two chapters of Genesis, God had no competition for the affection of His creatures. Humanity found its meaning, purpose, and happiness in God. God was God; everything else wasn’t. And the only two humans knew it.
The Fall tragically changed that. Ever since, every member of the human race has been an idolater. What began in Eden won’t end until Jesus returns and all idols crumble under His feet.
Despite the fact that we’re surrounded by shows such as American Idol and the adulation of movie stars, musicians, and professional athletes, most twenty-first-century Americans don’t believe we’re a nation of idol worshipers. The word idol conjures up images of primitive people offering sacrifices to crude carved images. Surely we’re above that.
Or are we?
An idol is anything we praise, celebrate, fixate on, and look to for help that’s not the true God. That covers a lot of ground.
Idolatry isn’t just wrong—it fails miserably in bringing the lasting happiness it promises.
This video, “Happiness and Idolatry,” is the fourth in a series that was filmed to accompany the Happiness Bible Study Book and reflect the content of my Happiness book. (See my previous blogs for the first three videos. All six videos are available on our website as a free resource. I encourage you to consider sharing them with your small group or church!)
Here are some resources if you’d like to explore more:
Recognizing and Avoiding the Trap of Idolatry
Who or What Is Our Primary Source of Happiness?
Should Christians Be Spiritual Enough to Not Love God’s Created World?
How to Avoid Making an Idol of Your Marriage and Spouse
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