Words of Faith: Don’t go straight for the ‘golden calf’

“American Idol” is one of the most successful shows in television history. It’s been on in this country for more than a dozen years, offering a tantalizing grasp at fame for some lucky and talented performers. But an idol?

However, there are a lot of less-publicized “American idols.”

For example, we’re in the middle of March Madness, and the idolatry of sports – this time college basketball – is in full swing. I’m in first place in our family competition with my randomly filled out bracket, but that won’t last long.

Our winner gets bragging rights, but in reality, millions of dollars are being gambled on these games. And I bet billions more are spent supporting the worship of sports, athletes and the industry as whole.

People also make an idol out of their country when they have an uncompromising attitude or refuse to listen to those who differ from them, or when their self-interest is the ultimate goal in the political process.

People can make idols of children, too, when the family’s life and schedule revolves around the interests and moods of the children.

Some people even create an idol out of the Bible, worshipping the words in the book rather than the God to whom the words point.

The things people treat as idols, however, aren’t necessarily bad things.

Sports are fine, and they can be healthy and fun ways to engage us. Love of country is a grand thing, and I’m grateful to live in this country. Kids are great and need love, nurture, care and attention. The Bible is vital because it tells us the stories of God’s great love for and engagement with people throughout history.

It’s worth noting that even before the people of God were given the Ten Commandments, they were warned against idolatry. They were told not to worship what they saw in the sky. They were told not to serve gods made by human hands – gods that could not see or hear, gods made of wood and stone. They were called to be different. The Israelites were to worship the God who had delivered them from slavery.

But the people of God chose instead to make idols and worship them. And it seems that people in every time and place since then have chosen to do the same.

It’s not a hard concept to only worship God. But it seems nigh impossible to live that out. So many things compete for our attention, and we’re easily dazzled and distracted. We’re offered a covenant relationship with the creator of the universe, yet we go for the golden calf nearly every time.

As we continue fight distractions and idols, Holy Week draws near. And if we can turn our attention toward him long enough, we can remember Jesus’ life, from the cheers of Palm Sunday to the jeers of the crowd and all the way through to the cross.

So can we turn from our idols for even this one week? Or will we hop straight to eggs, bunnies and Easter brunch?

This story was originally published March 21, 2015 at 10:35 PM with the headline "Words of Faith: Don’t go straight for the ‘golden calf’."