Which kind of idol is trying to distract you from God’s Spirit?

By Dean Collins

Mute idols and noisy idols are still idols. And while the apostle Paul mentioned only the mute idols, he was well aware that humans, including church members, can get caught up following noisy idols, too.

When Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, he realized that over time many believers had become lazy and started listening to some who were teaching their opinions and false doctrines in the body of Christ, the church. When Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:1-2 he is reminding the church that followers of Christ are spiritual people and do spiritual things. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-17) then our behavior will be of the Spirit and not of the flesh. And no one led by the Spirit will pay or should pay attention to what mute or noisy idols have to say.

Mute idols

Paul reminded the Corinthians that they used to be pagan. They used to worship idols Paul calls mute (12:2). Carved images cannot talk. But those who once worshiped and gave attention to the Greek Gods believed that there were oracles who received messages from the idols through dreams or in some sort of trance. They would pass on the message from idol gods to others seeking advice. Paul was clear that the Holy Spirit is a living being who fills the believer and equips the believer (with spiritual gifts) to live spiritual lives. This is not something an idol ever did or ever could do.

Noisy idols

So what about the noisy idols? Well, how often do we give more authority or adherence to political opinions and positions than we do what the Word of God teaches and the Holy Spirit confirms? Why would a believer choose to follow a leader who is not led by the Spirit of God? And what about the status and authority we give athletes, popular music celebrities, best-selling authors, or those who have risen to popularity in Hollywood?

Spirit-filled people must never blindly follow the advice or celebrate the fame of someone who is not filled and led by the Holy Spirit. Of course, you can enjoy the game, listen to a song you like, or read a best-selling book. But we cannot celebrate opinions or positions that are not confirmed in God’s Word. As Christians, we must evaluate what we hear in culture through the lens of scripture and through prayer.

Spiritual gifts

As Paul continues his instructions to the church in Corinth, he explains that spiritual people are given a diversity of spiritual gifts. And these gifts are to be used to unite the body of Christ and make our witness to the world more effective. When those outside the church see church people arguing and fighting with each other we weaken our witness. The world has plenty of division. The church should be the one place where people can come together around the lordship of Christ.

Lord, we confess we have given in to the temptation of allowing noisy voices to influence our attitudes and behaviors. Forgive us. We confess that we have at times been lazy and not prayed about what your Word says about various philosophies or opinions in culture or politics. Forgive us. As believers who declare that Jesus is Lord, we ask that your Holy Spirit guide us to be more like Jesus. By your Holy Spirit transform our minds and hearts so that we would speak and act with the kindness, mercy, and grace of Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your time with God’s Word
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2, 4-31; ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭11‬, ‭13‬-‭17, 12‬:1-‭2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Photo by CARLOSCRUZ ARTEGRAFIA at Pexels.com
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.