IDOLATRY 2

 

I wrote yesterday about the influences of the world enabled through technology and how they lead us to idolatry.

The greatest shield against the penetrating strength of our modern-day living is strict obedience to the commandments of God. There simply is no better protection and acquisition of strength. I was all the more convinced of this as I read something very interesting about the very last of the Ten Commandments (thou shalt not covet)  which many people would not think was a important as the preceding nine but this illustrates just how all the commandments are so intertwined that none can be broken without weaking all the others:

“He who covets the mere material things of life may have ‘other gods before him’.

“He who covets may desecrate the Sabbath day to get gain.

“He who covets may fail to sustain his father and his mother in their need.

“Some who have coveted have killed to get gain.

“Many who have coveted a ‘neighbour’s wife’ have committed the grievous sin of adultery.

He who covets is more likely to steal (or to swindle or embezzle or engage in sharp practices).

“He who covets may bear false witness to get gain.

“Whenever we ignore any divine counsel or commandment, we can be sure that we weaken ourselves and increase our susceptibility to other sins….The commandment against covetousness does not mean that we should not have a wholesome desire to improve ourselves or our situation….The danger comes when mere ‘things’ begin to matter too much.” (Richard L. Evans, in “The Tenth Commandment”, Part 1, “The Ten Commandments Today”, p 142-44)

“Paul, on two occasions, equated coveting with idolatry (see Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5). The implication is that when one sets his heart on things of the world to the point that allegiance to God and His principles no longer matters, then material things become as a god to that person; he follows after them or worships them….Samuel told Saul that sin and iniquity were also idolatry (see 1 Samuel 15:23). (Old Testament Student Manual 1 p 135)

Think of the serious attachments people have in this world that demand their full focus to the point where they become addictions, such as food, drugs, alcohol, sex, even violent crime.  These addictions become gods and they all stem from disobedience to the commandments.

These are flaxen cords which the adversary uses to bind us to him forever (2 Nephi 26:22). This is idolatry….at all times, if we are not following God, we are following the opposition…..

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Guiding Light by Ivan Guaderrama)

HE WILL LIGHT THE WAY

 

Nephi recorded that the Lord had advised him and his family not to make fire whilst journeying in the wilderness, not even to cook food. Nephi doesn't record the reasons why but according to historians, this was so that they would not be an attraction to warring bedouin factions in the region and possible looters. What Nephi does record is the Lord's reassurance: "I will be your light....and I will prepare the way before you" (1 Nephi 17:13). Whether this reassurance was given to them at the beginning of the journey or not, it validates Nephi's conviction that the Lord does not command us to do anything without preparing the way (1 Nephi 3:7).

None of us have been asked to undertake such an arduous and demanding task as colonising a new continent and spending 8 years travelling in a wilderness, not knowing beforehand where it is we are going. I am in awe of Lehi and his family for doing such a thing. I do know, however, that everyone at one stage has to carry some burden and what seems like an insurmountable one to some may not be so much to another.

If you are faced with some difficult journey or you need to unload some heavy burden you have been carrying, know this: He is your light and He will prepare the way. Take courage and turn to Him who is the source of all help; who knows the way; who is a lamp unto your feet. Fear nothing and hope for everything.

Thou art my light,

My Prince of Peace,

Who will prepare the way

For me to go where

I have not gone before.

Wherever you send me

I will eagerly go;

To the ends of the earth,

Over mountains

And over the seas,

Light my way, and in the end

Bring me home to Thee.

• Cathryne Allen

(Art by Yongsung Kim)