Understanding the concept of serving other gods
Serving other gods refers to the act of worshipping something or someone other than God. Serving other gods is popularly referred to as idolatry, or the worship of idols. Hence the term serve other gods is used in the Bible to denote apostasy. The word gods may refer to anything that takes the place of God, including material possessions, relationships, and even physical appearance.
Serving other gods is often associated with ancient practices, but it is still prevalent in modern times, as people often prioritize their desires and interests over their faith. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warns against worshipping material things, stating that no one can serve two masters. In essence, serving other gods is any act of devotion that detracts from one’s service to God.
Serving other gods can take many forms, including the worship of physical objects, people, or even one’s own ego. In some cases, it can be as simple as prioritizing material possessions over spiritual growth, while in others, it can manifest as an obsession with power, pleasure, or race. In Christianity, the worship of anyone or anything other than God is considered idolatry.
Why is it a sin to serve other Gods? God identified Himself to Israel as a jealous God, who would not want the worship due Him to be rendered to any other person or thing. Neither does He want His worshipers to have any dealings with the man-made deities or objects of worship. It is written, “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” Exodus 34:14 (Also, Ex 20:5; De 6:15). Thus serving other gods is a violation of the Scriptures. Anytime the people of God divert their devotion and attention to other gods, they make God jealous and provoke Him to anger because He is jealous by nature.
The act of serving other gods is a serious offense among the people of God, and it is often associated with severe consequences. For instance, in Deuteronomy 30:17, it is stated that anyone who sacrifices to any god other than the Lord alone shall be utterly destroyed. Thus, serving other gods is not only a spiritual issue but also has significant implications for one’s life.
The consequences of serving other gods can be severe and far-reaching. In addition to the spiritual consequences, such as a loss of faith and a sense of disconnection from God, serving other gods can also lead to negative physical and emotional outcomes. For instance, the worship of material possessions can lead to financial ruin and a sense of emptiness.
Obsessing over physical appearance can lead to eating disorders and poor self-esteem. In essence, serving other gods can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness, as one’s focus is on something that ultimately cannot provide lasting fulfillment. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize one’s relationship with God and avoid the temptation to serve other gods.
Conclusion
Today, we Christians are the people of God and the Scriptures that warn against apostasy pertain to us as it pertained to Israel. Practically, some professing Christians commit the sins of serving other gods by bowing down to images fashioned to represent angels, Jesus, Mary, Peter, or any of the dead saints. However, the majority of professing Christians would hardly make graven images and bow down to them, yet a professing Christian can provoke the Lord to jealousy when there is something he deems more important in his life than God.