(BLOG written on May 5– sorry it wasn’t posted!)

Over the last few months I have noticed how popular different applications have become for “Facebook” users.  First, if you don’t have a Facebook account (or “FB” for short), don’t worry. You’ll survive! Your life has not been cut short or lacks meaning—I promise!  In fact, enjoy your free time. Nearly every FB user admits to the power Facebook use has to consume that time which used to be free time. However, since this medium is so popular as a way to stay connected to friends and colleagues, I have an account and use it several times during the week.  Something has caught my attention.  I have noticed that even among Christians the use of things that fall into the “idol” category has grown substantially.

Namely, online psychic readings, daily astrology predictions, and even electronic fortune cookies has surged on Facebook– on the pages of many Christ-followers, too.   What do the readings and predictions promise? To guide your life, of course. To intrigue you, lead you, warn you, help you and inform you! Do you know what I don’t see on the Facebook pages nearly as much? Bible readings– not just daily readings, but ANY readings. I am shocked by that contrast.

This trend of stepping into the realm of idols and false religion concerns me greatly, for any “foothold” in our lives which we give to spiritual forces contrary to the Lordship of Jesus Christ has power to assail us, deceive us, and lead us into false beliefs– or some sort of weird blend of trying to follow Jesus as well as keeping an eye on an astrology chart.  The clash of these two kingdoms robs Jesus’ followers of the peace he otherwise gives us.  This “open door” allows the spiritual enemy of Christ to set up shop in our hearts and minds. It is simply the kingdom of God’s light vs. the kingdom of darkness.  I’m concerned enough that I began a short teaching series with Kairos youth to talk about idolatry and how it appears to us in daily life.  Our kids are awesome! Not only did they listen and participate seriously in the study and discussions, but they have stripped the astrology readings and fortune cookies from their Facebook pages.

You may think, “I’m just curious… I think it is funny to see what my astrology reading says.”   Are you curious enough to see what the Bible says about idolatry? You don’t belong to pantheon of the Zodiac Roman/Greek/other gods. You belong to the only God that actually exists. You belong to the one who “purchased you” by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and brought you from darkness into God’s light.  Don’t turn back to stumble around in darkness.

To what does Jesus call every follower?   I could list dozens of verses for you from the Bible. But here are a few. Let me encourage you to keep your heat devoted to Christ and the Word of Life. Repent of your sin if you have been seeking other gods and turn fully back to Jesus.

“Those who love me will keep my word…  the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. “(John 14: 23)

Ephesians 4: 22-25, 27

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Therefore each of you must put off falsehood… and do not give the devil a foothold.

“I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other Gods before me.” (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5)

“Do not turn to idols (Lev 19: 4)

Walk in Truth and Grace,

Mark+