
God is an excellent Creator. His intentions for humankind were nothing less than spectacular. After Adam and Eve were created in the Garden of Eden, they were not commissioned to just survive and eat their way through existence. They were created to thrive, conquer, and expand their lot. Life was supposed to be about victories and progress, never-ending fruitfulness and unadulterated peace (Genesis 1).
In other words, you were created to be amazing, which makes sense because we were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
When we shine according to our God-given design, the enemy loathes it because Jesus is glorified and lifted high.
John 15:8 says, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Yet, after salvation, there is one thing that could keep you from realizing the fullness of God’s glory in you. And, that is your idols.
Idols in the biblical times were handmade creations that people debase themselves for, in fleshly worship, ultimately to gain an assurance of something hoped for. In the Old Testament, there were idols of all kinds, and the belief was that if you give that idol what it wants, then you would also get what you want.
Baal was considered to be the fertility god, and the hope was that he would grant good crops and women who bear children.
Ashtoreth was the goddess of love and war, and worshipping her involved perverse sexual practices.
Chemosh was the Subduer of the Moabite nation, and partaking in human sacrifices on his behalf was in hopes to win wars and subdue enemies.
Jeremiah 2:5b says, “They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.”