So these nations feared the LORD and also served their carved images. Their children did likewise, and their children’s children did likewise, and their children’s children – – as their fathers did, so they do to this day. (2 Kings 17:41)

It is dangerous to be kept in a land that is full of idolatry. The people of the land will quickly notice if you do not pay homage to their gods. They will actively seek to make sure that you bow to their gods. However, the believer is under obligation to obey the commands of the one true God who has given clear commands: “You shall not fear other gods or bow yourselves to them or serve them or sacrifice to them, but you shall fear the LORD.” When the believer is kept in foreign lands he will be pressed to submit to strange gods or to honor the one true God.

In this passage of Scripture we find that the people of that day do what many of this day attempt to do. They took the route that claims to fear the LORD, but at the same time they continued to serve their idols and the sad tragedy is that they corrupted their families in the process. In America, religion seems to be a popular fad that helps people to look good in society. Church buildings are as common as gas stations and there is one available for whatever taste a person may have. People who go to the buildings once a week are considered to be those who fear the LORD. However, the great populations of those who claim to worship God are deeply committed to their idolatry.

If the truth be known the amount of money spent on hobbies far exceeds what is given to the LORD. The number of hours given to personal interest far exceeds the time spent in the Word of God. The amount of sporting facts memorized far exceeds the number of verses in Scripture memorized. The songs of the world are on the heart of the confessing believer far more clearly than the Psalms of David. The excitement for the events of the world far exceeds the excitement of the proclamation of the Word. The fervor for gluttonous eating far exceeds the feasting upon the things of God. The desire of the heart will reveal who is the true God.

Dearly beloved, it is undoubtedly true that many in the church today claim to fear the LORD, but in reality they have not abandoned their idols in the least degree. This text ought to urge you to search your own heart for idols and by the power of the Spirit to tear them down. Oh, that you would fear the LORD and serve him only.

J. Randall Easter, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Briar, Azle, TX.
II Timothy 2:19
“A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.” –John Calvin