There is a danger that the obvious forms of idolatry could mask the subtle forms of idolatry.
The prophet Isaiah makes it clear there is no god beside the Lord God who revealed himself through his prophets and his Word. This makes it relatively simple to distinguish between God and false gods found in false religions.
However, idolatry can be subtle. There is a diagnostic question to help us discern subtle forms of idolatry: What is the “highest good” in your life? Notice this broadens our understanding of idolatry. Our god could be a false god worshipped by millions of people. Or our god could be our career or family or wealth becoming idols.
For example, Western society is bombarding us with a form of humanism. Truth and morality are supposedly relatively, determined by the individual for the individual. This is idolatry, making each of us the “highest good” in our own lives.
Praise be that God has so clearly revealed himself in Scripture. There is one God who is three persons. While we can’t fully grasp the mystery of the Trinity, we understand enough to discern between God and false gods. This discernment includes the more subtle forms of idolatry.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 