Modern Day
Idols President Spencer W. Kimball
|
|
 Modern
idols or false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes, businesses,
machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, and numerous other material deflectors
from the path to godhood. What difference does it make that the item
concerned is not shaped like an idol? Brigham Young said: "I would
as soon see a man worshiping a little god made of brass or of wood as
to see him worshiping his property." Intangible things make just as ready gods. Degrees and letters and titles can become idols. Many young men decide to attend college when they should be on missions first. The degree, and the wealth and the security which come through it, appear so desirable that the mission takes second place. Some neglect Church service through their college years, feeling to give preference to the secular training and ignoring the spiritual covenants they have made. Many people build and furnish a home and buy the automobile first-- and then find they "cannot afford" to pay tithing. Whom do they worship? Certainly not the Lord of heaven and earth, for we serve whom we love and give first consideration to the object of our affection and desires. Young married couples who postpone parenthood until their degrees are attained might be shocked if their expressed preference were labeled idolatry. Their rationalization gives them degrees at the expense of children. Is it a justifiable exchange? Whom do they love and worship-- themselves or God? Other couples, recognizing that life is not intended primarily for comforts, ease, and luxuries, complete their educations while they move forward with full lives, having their children and giving Church and community service. Many worship the hunt, the fishing trip, the vacation, the weekend picnics and outings. Others have their idols in the games of sport, baseball, football, the bullfight, or golf. These pursuits more often than not interfere with the worship of the Lord and with giving service to the building up of the kingdom of God. To the participants this emphasis may not seem serious, yet it indicates where their allegiance and loyalty are. (President Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 40-41) |
|
|
|
|