Materialism By Billy Graham • October 5 “You cannot serve God and mammon.” —Luke 16:13, NKJV The Bible strictly forbids idolatry. One of the Ten Commandments declares, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image . . . you shall not bow down to them nor serve them” (Exodus 20:4–5). But almost anything can become an idol—something we worship and serve in place of God. It might be success, or pleasure, or possessions, or money, or anything else we let control our lives. They aren’t necessarily wrong in themselves, but they become idols when we make them the most important things in life. The Bible rejects idols for at least two reasons. First, idols are false. They cannot save us or change our lives for the better. Second, idols cut us off from God. We substitute them for God—and as a result, we turn our backs on Him and never come to know Him and love Him as we should. Has any idol taken God’s rightful place in your life? Don’t let it happen. God has commanded, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Hope for Today An idol lies, and it never satisfies. It steals your worship and offers nothing in return. Worship the Lord and only Him. He has proven His love for you in a way no false god ever could. | ||
Billy Graham Classic Where do you find fulfillment? | ||
Devotion text from Hope for Each Day with Billy Graham, © Billy Graham, published by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Bible translation used with permission. | ||
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association | ||