Idol Worship Today

It is no coincidence that in this early encounter, God tells Abraham to do something "for himself."

This is very significant since Abraham professed monotheism while living in a time of rampant idol worship. Monotheism is not just a reduction in numbers, or a simpler way of saying the same thing - i.e. condensing 10 gods into one.

At the source of idol worship is the intention that the worshipper has found for himself a crutch. Idols are tools for the one who believes in them. "I want to over-eat, therefore the god of eating is in power today." "I want to conquer someone, thus the god of war tells me to do so." And similarly with all one's desires.

In this system, it is necessary to have many varied and conflicting idols. This way I don't have to be consistent, I can follow my moods by saying that the idol of whichever mood I happen to be in, is in power.

The idol therefore takes away my personal responsibility. "I'm not responsible, my idol wanted me to do it." "If it was up to me, I wouldn't have killed him, I hate killing people, but what can I do, the god of murder was in power!"

The reason why so many innocent people have died in the name of God, is that they use "god" as an excuse to do things they otherwise would feel guilty for. How often are we trampled upon in the name of a good deed? The self-righteous man can be a very dangerous man.

It is more difficult (though not impossible) for monotheism to fall into this trap. When you attribute desires and wishes to a single God, you have to be consistent with them. It's hard to say that God has now changed His mind and wants me to do evil!

There is no difference between the self-righteous "savior of mankind and defender of god," and the workaholic stockbroker who puts in 15 hours a day, every day, and makes so much money he doesn't know what to do with it.

The savior of medieval times has traded in his heaven-preaching for a sales pitch. He's stopped quoting the bible in exchange for the stock market. The cross he bears is his telephone.

There is a deep desire in man to sell his soul to a cause and not to think and worry every day, "Is this right?" "Should I be doing this?" "Is this really fulfilling?" The salesperson is so busy, he doesn't even realize he isn't happy. He's doing it for some greater goal and he has faith that he'll achieve it, for he sees no one else attaining a state of peace.

Everyone thinks he is happy and that his work is meaningful. Maybe it is, and he would still do it even if there was no glory or money. So why do so many look forward to retirement? How many do we know who even enjoy retirement? Is the point of life to make money so we can do more work? Or is it that we work to make enough money, so that we don't need to work?

Is work the 'means' or the 'ends'? Would we gladly give it up if we had the chance, or do we really want to keep working because we have nothing better to do with our lives?

Most people have to retire sometime. Those who do, face the question: "Did I work because I had nothing better to do?" It's a very frightening question, especially at such a late stage in life. It isn't easy finding something better to do than work. Work offers an easy escape to dealing with relationships, community problems, etc. Be aware though, it isn't a permanent escape.

Better to start dealing with the question now while you have the ability to change.

The One God, in Whom the Jewish people believe, is a God that does not need us to do anything for Him.

The idea of one God, a God that has always existed, that created reality and is not a product of it, is a God that requires absolutely nothing from His creation.

This command formed the relationship not only between Abraham and God, but for all of Abraham's descendants. This relationship is based on a very important principle: Do it because it's right, not because God is telling you. God doesn't need your sacrifices, He doesn't need your favors. If God is telling you to do something it's because God is like the caring father. What He tells you is good for you. Don't you wish to do something that's good for you? God gives us the freedom to choose not to do it as well!

The difference between Idol Worship and Monotheism, is that the idol needs you, and you feel good because it needs you. A single God doesn't need you and so you have to find what makes you feel good.

Do things because you want to do them, and not for what society told you it would provide. Not for the 'status' and 'honor' promised, nor for whatever 'fame,' 'compliments,' and 'approval' they'll give you. But do it because you believe it's the right thing to do. With no ulterior motives. You'd do it even if no one saw or no one would ever find out. There's no payoff or acclaim. You just know deep down that's what you should be doing.

Question 1: If you were independently wealthy, what contribution would you make to the world? Now go out and find someone who will pay you to do that job!

Question 2: List five things that you do during your week that have absolutely no future payoff, but you do them because you enjoy them.