Idols

Having a two daughters, one of which is a preteen, we are bombarded by all the teen “idols” out there today. I don’t mind my girls liking these stars, what I don’t like is how much emphasis is put on idols. There are even televisions shows for people to compete to be an idol.

My girl’s favorite “idol” is Hannah Montana (HM). For the longest time I didn't want them even watching the show. Why? Because you have, this girl who lives two lives. One so she can have a normal life and another so she can be a star. I felt that this gave a wrong impression. After trying to be something I could never be, for my mother, I vowed that as an adult and a mother I would be who I am and not disguise myself for anyone. After all the most important being, God, knows who I am, even if I try and hide myself, and loves me for who I am. So if someone doesn’t like me, for me, to bad and I want my girls to feel the same way. Then after having HM pushed on my oldest, by a family member, mostly because I didn’t approve I spoke with my husband about it. He brought up other characters, batman, superman, wonder woman, who all lived two lives. I gave in, after that, and allowed them to watch HM and have a few clothing items with her on it. Then the other night it was time for bed and because HM was on they threw a fit. I did not take HM away from them, this time, but informed them that should these actions happen again they will not watch her on TV again. I also told them that we do not act that way over a character on TV.

My oldest and I had a conversation about what her actions were like. I told her that she was basically worshiping HM. I also asked her who she thought we are to worship. She said God and Jesus. She is correct. As a matter of fact, the bible has 233 verses regarding idols and the word idol is found 244 times. Each of these verses tells us how wrong worshiping idols is and that God is the only being we are to worship. Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8 states “Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. I realize that these passages do not mention human idols but we have to remember that these passages were written long before there were “stars”, sports, television, radio, etc. The bible also says in 1 Samuel 12:21 this about idols, “Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you—they really are useless!” Meaning that during our times of needs these idols don’t care, they can’t be there for us, comfort us, or lead us down the correct path. It also says in Isaiah 42:17 “But those who trust in idols call them their gods—they will be turned away in shame.” It also says in Isaiah 45:16 “All who make idols will be humiliated and disgraced.” Another words God wants us to put Him first and worship only Him and if we don’t He will refuse us and turn us away. How sad would that be!?

So how do we teach our kids, that no matter what the TV says, we are not to have idols? Good question! We need to first explain that having someone to look up to is ok, but they should not be worshiped. They are not worthy of being worshiped. They are just normal people like us only they make a lot more money than the rest of us! We could refuse to let our children to watch any TV, listen to any music or seeing any movies, but where would that get us? That would in turn mean they could not ride the bus to school, go to friends homes, and many other things because of the possibilities of them doing these things while not at home. You could also have the extreme where they are sneaking around to do these things and since that is, considered lying they would be going against what God wants us to do again. I believe there has to be a happy medium somewhere. Such as limiting how much time they can spend watching TV or listening to music (and not just non-Christian shows and music because even Christian stars can become idols). We also have to talk to them about God and help them spend time with God and in His word so that it’s only natural for them to want to only worship Him.

Now these are just my thoughts. I am open to hearing what others think of the subject. So please feel free to post your comments, just keep them civil and non-judgmental.

I will close with what 1 Corinthians 10:14 says “So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols”.

Have a blessed day!