Idols, idol worship and familiar objects among believers are topics, today. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Not Banana!” (Level 1 with 16 points, a member since June 04, 2014) posted the following:
When God said not to make any graven images in the 10 Commandments, didn't he mean "except statues of Jesus and nativity scenes"?
"And crosses and fish. Those are ok too".
Did God forget to include that part?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together. The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house. He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto. He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god. They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?. (Isaiah 44: 10-20, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Divine Law for Mankind? (07/29/2014); Divine Law Speaks of Spirit? (07/30/2014); Face to Face Like Moses? (01/28/2014); Covenants and Relationships (01/29/2014); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)
“Not Banana!”, here are a few points on idols and idol worship that should help you avoid spiritual confusion:
(1.) The worship of idols center in the belief that a man-made and material object may contain spirit substance. While the object itself may not be regarded as a god, goddess or divine person, the idol may be thought to allow humans to approach and access divine authority, essence and power; carry out or perform natural and sacred events (e.g., healing, control of storms, miracles); display and make visible the genuine appearance and features of a divine person (e.g., awesomeness, immortality, perfection, purity, radiance, strength); or itself possess power and will separate from any divine person.
(2.) There are many familiar objects used in human communication and exchange that display a great deal of careful investment of craftsmanship, design, detail, money, talent, skill, and other resources. Many require attention, obedience, and specific responses from human beings, yet should not be regarded as idols. One example would be the octagonal Stop signs posted at traffic intersections alerting both drivers and pedestrians.
(3.) Among Christian believers, items for decoration and ornamentation may be used to continue awareness, or express and further encourage humility, piety, and respect. Even so, material things are not held to contain the Spirit of GOD, and are not used as objects of worship. Included are gold and silver chalices, the monstrance, and other communion ware. Only created beings and living creatures (we could say, GOD-made vessels) are fit to receive divine content from the makeup of GOD, who is immortal and incorruptible.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The emblems of bread and wine are used in sacred operations whereby the spirit content of believers is nourished, reinforced, and further sanctified. Believers must have godly discernment (i.e., ability to apply and use ones own endowment of spirit substance as a standard to recognize spirit content among such things as events, messages, holy writings, other persons, and eternal purposes). Material objects are used continually to communicate with mankind, and many are consecrated (set apart) and devoted for holy service. Yet, this does not mean they should be served and worshiped in place of GOD. When Moses and all those who left Egypt arrived at Sinai, and a covenant through the Ten Commandments was proclaimed, there was an audible voice and several displays (lightening, thunder, winds). Neither the mountain, the natural elements, or the man, Moses, was to be worshiped, for the focus was to be GOD through acceptance of sacred law.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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