Houston Bynum
One of the most popular television shows of the last four years has been "American Idol." Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard were the "idols" chosen in the first two seasons. Admittedly, my family and I have been interested and watched this program as it showcases young amateur talent-in somewhat of an update of the old "Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour." (Boy, does that date me!) Some people idolize stars of television, movies, and music as role models, whether their examples are good or bad.
Out of 70,000 contestants in 2004, it all came down to two finalists: Diana DeGarmo, a 16-year old from Snellville, GA (where we lived previously) and Fantasia Barrino, a 19-year old from High Point, NC. After 65 million votes cast (people could vote more than once), the fantasy of pop stardom became a reality for Fantasia Barrino as she became the "American Idol for 2004." As fans of the show know, choosing the "American Idol for 2005" is currently in progress.The acerbic judge Simon Cowell summed up what the whole contest was about: "Fame, stardom, a ton of money." While the contest is also about talent and popularity, some people idolize and covet "fame, stardom, a ton of money" as being the most important in life.
The Bible defines "covetousness" as idolatry (Colossians 3:5, ASV). It carries the ideas of "fixing the desire upon; lust after; desire to have more." In both the temptation of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) and the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4), satan tempted them and continues to tempt us in 3 basic ways: "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 5:15-17). When a person falls to such temptation, the coveting of such temporary things is an idol that replaces the Lord on the throne of the human heart.
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon searched for the meaning of life. He affirms that he had tried it all: power, pleasure, prestige, and possessions. Such material pursuit left him empty, and he concluded that all such striving is vain (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Life without God is truly meaningless. The covetousness of idolatry is a vacant room.
Remove any idols from your heart. Enthrone Christ as Lord of your heart and life. Solomon concludes: "Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them (Ecclesiastes 12:1). While the heart is tender and not hardened is the best time to accept the Lord-by believing in Christ, repenting of sins, confessing your faith, and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Then, as a Christian, never worship idols, but serve and worship only the true and living God (John 4:24).
