Gods of Play-Doh and Glitter

Would you ever consider getting out your kids' play-doh and fashioning your own god? You could top it off with glitter to add shine. 

It sounds crazy but the Old Testament prophets talked about this constantly. Israelites who had been taught about the One true God would go out and cut down a tree and carve an idol. They would overlay plain wood with gold and silver then bow down and ask it for things. 

They attempted to breathe life into powerless wood carved into the likeness of a god they created from their own desires. 

Although men turned and bowed down to his idol, the statue had no strength to move or breath of life. Yet, the man creator continually cry out to their own handiwork in vain.

What good is an idol carved by man,

or a cast image that deceives you?

How foolish to trust in your own creation—

a god that can't even talk!

What sorrow awaits you who say to wooden idols,

'Wake up and save us!'

To speechless stone images you say,

'Rise up and teach us!'

Can an idol tell you what to do?

They may be overlaid with gold and silver,

but they are lifeless inside.

Habakkuk 2:18-19 New Living Translation

Do I have idols, Lord? 

Idols take many forms. They are defined as "manmade, false, and a replacement for the one true God".

I've heard one definition of idol: anything or anyone that you regard as more important than God.

Do I have idols, Lord?

What vies for my time and devotion each day? Who do I turn to first when I hurt? Whose opinion do I value most? Where does my money go?  


Oh, Lord, you are the creator—not me. Create in me a clean heart, renew a loyal spirit within me.  May I be completely yours, worshipping you alone.  Amen