god

Paul Tillich, the systematic theologian, in DYNAMICS OF FAITH, proposed that whatever one's ultimate concern is, whatever gets a person's devotion, energy, focus and dedication, is his/her god.

For believers in Jesus, idolatry is putting more importance on anyone or anything than LOVING GOD AND LOVING NEIGHBOR AS SELF...

I believe we have THREE IDOLS in America...

WEALTH (Mammon) ... becomes the GREATEST concern over God or other human beings for some, driving them and demanding their devotion, energy and focus.  When wealth is it, no matter what one has is not enough, because there is MORE out there to be had.  When wealth is it, one is never satisfied, because that would mean not always striving to give one's life over to having MORE of it.  When wealth is it, no matter what the spiritual Teachings or Commands are regarding the use of possessions in that person's faith system, he/she will do anything to get more, intentionally, systematically, ruthlessly, corruptly or even violently if necessary.  It becomes the master of that person's life and drives him/her to unconscionable acts and immoral behavior for the sake of MORE, always MORE.

POWER ... specifically, power or control over others, becomes of greater concern for some than following their God or living the teachings of their faith system regarding other people and how we are to treat them.  When power is one's god, no matter how much self-control one has is good enough, for the real test of power is how many other people one controls.  When power is it, those devoted to obtaining and wielding it will stop at nothing to get or keep it.  Whoever gets hurt in the process is just collateral damage for the greater good - that person controlling everything and everyone around them for their own sense of power.  Others are sacrificed on the alter of this god, but the cold, hard heart that is left within the body-tomb of the devotee does not notice, because the lives of others are of no value to him/her.

PRESTIGE/POSITION ... recognition, fame, celebrity become of great concern for some, and the need to be in and/or stay in the spotlight drives them in everything they do.  They don't care if it is negative attention, as long as eyes, minds and hearts are focused on them.  They don't care who else might be overshadowed, even if they are of great value to others, as long as they maintain their high status and place of honor.  Self-importance is a fierce god, worthy of underhanded, hurtful and deceitful practices because the end (being noticed and/or publicly loved) justifies the means.  This fickle god drives many to outrageously self-destructive lives as its required sacrifice of devotion.

When one gives one's devotion, energy, focus and dedication to any one of these as their god, we see things like we see -
               TRAMPLING OTHERS' SAFETY FOR ONE'S OWN, PERSONAL RIGHTS
               TRAMPLING OTHERS' ECONOMIC WELL-BEING FOR ONE'S OWN
                                       PROFIT
               TRAMPLING THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS TO GET OR KEEP POWER
               ATTACKING OTHERS TO MAKE ONESELF FEEL OR LOOK GOOD
               IGNORING OTHERS IN NEED, BECAUSE THEIR NEEDS ARE NOT
                                       WHAT MATTERS
              TAKING CARE OF SELF AND THOSE JUST LIKE SELF AT THE COST
                                       OF PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE ELSE AROUND YOU
              VILIFYING "THOSE PEOPLE" AND SCAPEGOATING THEM TO
                                       CREATE FEAR AND THEREFORE CONTROL OVER OTHERS,
                                       JUSTIFYING ONE'S HATRED/BIGOTRY ALONG THE WAY
              BEING DISLOYAL TO OTHERS, AS LONG AS YOU GET WHAT YOU
                                       WANT FOR YOURSELF
              SYSTEMATICALLY AND INTENTIONALLY KEEPING OTHERS DOWN
                                        SO YOU CAN APPEAR TO BE HIGHER, OR GET MORE OR HAVE
                                        CONTROL OVER THEM
              POLLUTING ONE'S OWN EARTH, SKY, WATER FOR MORE PROFIT
              INVADE OTHER NATIONS JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN
                               
America has many gods, and MANY of those who confess the name of Jesus and offer Him Adoration, Praise and their Tithes, give Him lip service only, while giving their TRUE LOVE -
devotion, energy, focus, dedication to their REAL ULTIMATE CONCERNS.
"By their fruits you will know them."
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  Jesus

Pastor Jamie