What Is An Idol?

The LORD made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens. When he speaks in the thunder, the heavens roar with rain. He causes the clouds to rise over the earth. He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from his storehouses. The whole human race is foolish and has no knowledge! The craftsmen are disgraced by the idols they make, for their carefully shaped works are a fraud. These idols have no breath or power. Idols are worthless; they are ridiculous lies! On the day of reckoning they will all be destroyed. But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including his people, his own special possession. The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is his name! [Jeremiah 51.15-19]

What is an idol? 

It is something that is looked to for protection and provision instead of God Almighty.

An idol is something that is created. An idol is not something that creates. An idol is the work of man. It is the result of man's efforts, skill, knowledge and ability.

Does it concern anyone besides me that modern man places so much emphasis on medicine and insurance? Does it cause concern that we depend on medicine and insurance as much as we do?

Here is my argument: Man did not create man so why would we think man can heal man? It was Almighty God Who created the heavens and the earth and all in them! Why do we turn first to medicine and not to Him?

And, if God truly is our Protector, why would we ever "insure" ourselves against whatever He (because He is in control of EVERYTHING) obviously allows or sends?

And furthermore, if God is our Healer, why would we ever go to the doctor or take medicine to do His work?

Is not what we turn to our god?

If what we turn to for healing and provision is not God, then, is it not an idol?

It seems to me that, as Christians, we are the most hypocritical folks on the planet when we defend insurance and medicine.

I would rather die sick, in faith that God is my Healer, rather than live in faithless idolatry.

Two practical facts should serve to indicate our idolatrous relationships with medicine and insurance: 1) The side effects of most medicines are as bad as the symptoms for which they are a remedy (is that really healing???). And 2) Medicine and insurance are two of the largest industries on the planet (it seems its all about the money or all about health - how is this "seeking first the Kingdom of God"?).

Father, I know I have touched on a touchy subject. Have we compromised our relationship with You - our supposed total and complete trust in You - by our infatuation with life and health? Forgive me for making my life more important than Your Kingdom.