A god or an idol is anything that comes first in our lives, ahead of God.
As believers, God should be first in our lives...
(1 Corinthians 8:4b-6) ...we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
Even though idols and false gods are made by men, they fall into Satan's kingdom. So if anyone makes a sacrifice to an idol, they are actually sacrificing to demons.
I would go so far as to say that if (for example) sports is your top priority in life, and a lot of your time and money is being spent on sports, that is your sacrifice to the god of your choice...
(1 Corinthians 10:20-21) ...but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
From this we see:
- there are many gods and idols on earth that are worshiped (1 Cor.8:5)
- false gods and idols are man-made and ineffective, there is only one true God who is able to save us (1 Cor.8:4)
- any false god or idol that you sacrifice to and serve is the same as sacrificing to and serving demons (1 Cor.10:20)
- we can only serve God or Satan, not both at the same time, so we have to make a choice (1 Cor.10:21)
Personal experience: I had an uncle who was a missionary in Ethiopia. There the people worshiped and served their gods and idols. But it was very obvious that Satan was behind it all. Especially when my uncle saw crazy things like people levitating, and leaping into the air with supernatural powers behind it.
There are many things in life that offer false promises which can tempt us, lead us and keep us away from God. These can very easily become our gods - these worldly ideals of having fun, beauty, popularity, power... which all leads to impurity and corruption and discontentment.
Yet God offers us His acceptance, forgiveness, and power, and His beauty, contentment and joy... which leads us to holiness and unity and fulfillment.
Today's takeaway: God will not allow us to be faced with more temptation that what we can handle. Not only that, but God will provide the way of escape.
It is not a sin to be tempted. It is a sin to fall into that temptation. And God is there to help us! We just have to be putting God first in our lives - otherwise we are not really putting our trust in Him...
(1 Corinthians 10:6-14) Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” 8 Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
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