“For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”
Ephesians 5:5 ESV
Covetous
- one eager to have more, esp. what belongs to others
- greedy of gain, covetous
When I hear the word “idolator” I imagine grand temples with large stone objects being worshipped, as music is chanted eerily in the background. I imagine ancient ruins with altars where people would sacrifice their loved ones in hopes of getting the attention of their god. I imagine dark and gloomy buildings with people bowing down to carvings made of stone and gold.
In the scripture passage above one who is covetous is likened to an idolator. This example doesn’t really fit into my imagined view of idolatry, but my view is the one that needs to change. The scripture goes as far as to say those who are covetous along with the sexually immoral and the impure will have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ.
“Clear the stage” is a song sung by Jeremy Needham. Every time I listen to it my heart is convicted and shaken. The climax of the song says,
“Anything I put before my God is an idol Anything I want with all my heart is an idol Anything I can’t stop thinking of is an idol Anything that I give all my love is an idol.”
We are in the season of Thanksgiving and giving. So much emphasis in our society is put on what we have, what we wear, where we live, how we look ect… These desires are not of God, but rather become a substitute, an idol, in our lives that temporarily fulfill the void God desires to fill.
No longer are idols only in dark secret places, but they can be at my fingertips as I scroll, they are in the magazines I hold or the stores I pass by.
A few scriptures down gives us the remedy to this deadly human condition
“Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:7-10 ESV
Walk in the light. Seek what He desires. Use His word to discern what is pleasing to Him. Our earnest desire should be for Him alone. When we seek Him first all the other things will be in their proper place and He will remain the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings in our lives.
That Could Preach 