Today is Cow Appreciation Day. Did you know there was such a thing? Chic-fil-A has been able to tap into this day and if you dress up partially as a cow (I don’t even know how to do that) you get a free entrée! I would think Chic-fil-A will not be the place to go for lunch today.

This day kind of saddens me for a few reasons. Several years ago, I had to give up beef. I have such an adverse physical reaction when I eat beef that it isn’t worth even trying any more. I also have given up most dairy. Oh on occasion I’ll have some cheese or sour cream, but I don’t know when I had a glass of milk last. So you see, perhaps the cows are appreciating me today.

So here’s another reason that I am saddened by this day. We sure can find unusual things to celebrate and lift up. Everything from cows to gumdrops, we can find something to elevate above its normal status. And what happens when we allow some of these things to move ahead of our relationship with God? Well, God’s word for this is idol.

It’s so amazing to me when God continues to point out a specific word over and over to me. This word “idol” is one that He’s been placing before me a lot over the past week. Let me tell you about it.

I’m leading a summer study on Rahab. Now here are a group of Israelites who have been wandering around the desert for 40 years. This group had seen or heard of the golden calf incident in the wilderness. This group had seen or heard of the gods of Egypt and surrounding countries. This group had heard God’s commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This group of Israelites had this first commandment memorized.

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations, of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:2-6 – NIV)

God is pretty clear. No idol worship. Nothing is to be before Him.

So I’ve been reading about idols in my summer study, but that certainly wasn’t enough. Our pastor on Sunday morning talked about idols as well. If you are interested in hearing what Shan Moyers has to say about this topic, click here.

Now my question must be, “what am I placing ahead of God?” Family? Friends? Church work? Television? Pinterest? Food? Yes, there are plenty of idols out there for us to move to a more prominent position in our lives, so we must continually be asking this question. And once we recognize the idol for what it is, what do we need to do to move it out of that place of prominence? Does it need to be completely eliminated from our lives? Is it possible to allow this idol to remain? What will I fill this “idol” void with?

I would caution about allowing an idol to remain in your life. God’s plan was that all idols would be destroyed or eliminated. Even people who worshiped the idols were to be driven out or killed. Why? Because of the influence an idol can have over people.

I would also encourage filling these empty spaces of our lives with something God-approved. If we aren’t careful, that void (time, space, or people) will be filled with yet another idol. Instead, fill the void with prayer, Bible study or quiet time with God. Or maybe find a service project to direct your thoughts toward God.

I’m sure God isn’t finished talking to me about idols. It’s a constant struggle, but one that is worth battling. Today you may be struggling with an issue of idol worship. If so, I pray that you will ask God to lead you in the direction you need to go in order to place God back on top. In the end, you will find great joy in finding the balance in your spiritual life.

And don’t forget to stop by your local Chic-fil-A in your cow costume today!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna