Choose You This Day

As I was reading through the Life Application Study Bible in the 2011 New International Version, I came across this interesting table in Judges that contrasted the differences between worshiping God and worshiping idols. The children of Israel repeatedly turned their backs on God to follow lifeless objects. Take time to consider the contrast below and evaluate whether you choose your idols for the same reasons that the children of Israel chose to reject God.

Why did Israel want to worship idols?

WORSHIPING GOD                            WORSHIPING IDOLS
Long-range benefits                              Short-range benefits
Gratification postponed                         Self-gratification immediate
Morality required                                    Sensuality approved
High ethical standards demanded          Low ethical standards tolerated
Neighbors’ sins disapproved                  Neighbors’ sins approved
Unseen God worshiped                         Visible idols worshiped
Unselfishness expected                         Selfishness condoned
Business relations hindered                   Business relations improved
Strict religious practices maintained      Religious practices loosely regulated
Changed life demanded                         Changed life not demanded
Ethical stand expected                           Compromise and cooperation practices
Concern for others taught                       No concern for others expected

“The temptation to follow false gods because of short-term benefits, good feelings, easy ‘rules,’ or convenience was always present. But the benefits were deceptive because the gods were false. We worship God because he is the one and only true God.”

To an image carved from a piece of wood they say,
      ‘You are my father.’
To an idol chiseled from a block of stone they say,
      ‘You are my mother.’
They turn their backs on me,
      but in times of trouble they cry out to me,
      ‘Come and save us!’
But why not call on these gods you have made?
      When trouble comes, let them save you if they can!
For you have as many gods
      as there are towns in Judah.
Why do you accuse me of doing wrong?
      You are the ones who have rebelled,”
      says the LORD.
“I have punished your children,
      but they did not respond to my discipline.
You yourselves have killed your prophets
      as a lion kills its prey.

“O my people, listen to the words of the LORD!
      Have I been like a desert to Israel?
      Have I been to them a land of darkness?
Why then do my people say, ‘At last we are free from God!
      We don’t need him anymore!’
Does a young woman forget her jewelry?
      Does a bride hide her wedding dress?
Yet for years on end
      my people have forgotten me. (Jer. 2:27–32 NLT)

Who or what are you worshiping? Why?