After the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America, many young people saw the selfless heroism of countless numbers of civil servants. They noted also the greed and hypocrisy of some of America’s largest corporations and investment firms. Many young people came to realize that there is more to life than large bank accounts and lofty titles. Many want to go into careers where they can have the satisfaction of helping and serving others.

Across America on September 18th thousands of young people gathered before school around the flagpole for the “See You at the Pole” rallies. They gathered to show support, solidarity, and to stand-up for Christ and pray for our country, city, and school campuses. They have a passion to grow closer to God, excel in their chosen career, and minister to others. They seem to talk more about servant-hood than personal ambition. Multitudes of them are more interested in the favor of God than the praises of people. They understand that fame and riches fade and fail to give true purpose and joy. American idols come and go but a child of God lives forever. The Word of God points to that which is truly worth seeking after. “For bodily exercise profits a little; but godliness (knowing God) is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (I Timothy 4:8).

When some youth were asked by a reporter, “What do you want to do when you graduate?” One replied, “I want to go into business and make enough money to support ministries and charitable causes.” A second student said, “I want to go to law school and use my degree in social work.” A third student said, “I’m going to be a youth pastor and eventually a missionary.” Another said, “I plan to be a school teacher.” These people may not fit America’s definition of an idol but they possess values that deserve our applause.

One of the Ten Commandments speaks against idolatry (Exodus 20:2-5). What is an idol? An idol is anything or any person that takes the place of or is put before the true and living God. Worshipping or serving an idol brings judgment and iniquity upon fathers and children unto the third and fourth generation. (See Exodus 20:5 and Leviticus 26:1.) But God is merciful to those who repent and give Him the rightful place He deserves in their life. (See Exodus 20:6 and Romans 10:9, 10.)

Why are idols abhorrent to God? Because God is the only true and living God, only He can give abundant life. (See John 10:10.) Only the living God hears our prayers, understands, and gives eternal life through His Son. “And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true, even His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (I John 5:20, 21).

Do Americans have idols? Do you worship an idol? Allow me to list a few checkpoints to assess whether or not something is more important than God in our lives. If so, perhaps you worship an American idol.

-If for the sake of profit or pleasure, we willfully and deliberately do evil or
transgress God’s commandments.
-If we work harder to obtain the luxuries of this life than we do for the kingdom of
God.
-If we cannot part with anything we posses to those who need it, deserve it, or
have a right to it.
-If we envy the fortunes of others.
-If we notice people and esteem them higher just because of their financial
standing or dislike others simply because everyone else looks down on them.
-If worldly prosperity makes us feel proud, vain, and superior.
-If we are too busy or occupied with other things to meet with God’s people, to
worship the true and living God. What we worship or put first is our god.

It would do us good to refer back to this list to see where we stand. God commands, “Thou shalt have no other god’s before me” (Exodus 20:3).

God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). Have you made Christ Jesus Lord and God of your life?

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be save” (Romans 10:9, 10).