Idols
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen – a great speaker and profound Christian writer, since passed on to his reward – said of paganism that it created idols out of man’s burning desire to see the gods face to face, to “force” them into this broken world of ours and hold them accountable.
As Christians, we know that man’s desire to see God in the flesh was at last fulfilled in the Person of Jesus Christ. We know that sin is the result of human action, but that the penalty for sin was paid through God’s action. The difference in viewpoint is crucial.
Jesus, Himself, explained that the righteous will ask at the Final Judgment:
“Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” (Matt. 25: 37-39).
And He will reply, “…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these…you did it to Me” (Matt. 25: 40).
This then is the crux: we glorify God by serving others, for God is already here.
That this is a broken world is no indication we have been abandoned to it. Rather, we see His image in the face of every child left home alone by a working single mother. We see Him in the face of an injured laborer, as well as that of an abused woman.
We see Him through anguish and tears. We see Him despite fear, embarrassment or shame.
We need no idols. Our God is here, among us, in this fallen world. No stench of sin is great enough to keep Him away. He extends His hand of mercy, as no lesser god could.
May He use us as His instruments.
Originally posted 3/8/12
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A Lawyer's Prayers 
I have been trying to let Jesus live his life through me in serving him by serving others. But you made the circle complete for me that when I serve others I am serving Jesus Himself. Thanks for making that connection for me.
Thank you for stopping by.
isn’t is amazing that during the time of popular Jesus there were lot of sculptors, painters and artists but they never made any picture nor idol of Jesus…because GOD is not an idol…GOD does not [need] idols as medium to have relationship with us…HIS invisibility and power is enough for us to sense his presence…
What an interesting thought!
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
I love your thoughts here. Thank you Anna.
Thank you, Nicodemas. I’ll never be a poet, so a compliment from one is the next best thing. 🙂
A very beautiful post, Anna. Thank you. 🙂
Many thanks, Debbie. I held the pen, but the inspiration was the Lord’s…maybe with a little help from Archbishop Sheen. ❤
Well, it was very insightful and courageous. Bless you, Anna.
I don’t subscribe to organized religion, but I do understand its principles. This is one that I’ve been trying to get people to see for some time. I always wonder what if Jesus Christ already returned? What if he is here among us, in each of us begging to be treated with certain principles we preach and hold dear? I really do like this as it prompts us to do better in our treatment of others. Thanks Anna.
Thanks for commenting, Kathy. Jesus identified the two greatest commandments as love of God and love of neighbor. All too often, those who think they are obeying the first, overlook the second. The Apostle John put it this way: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen” (1 John 4: 20).
Sharing your blog and hoping to send some new connections your way: https://shatteredinhim.com/2016/12/20/more-gifts-of-recognition/
You are so kind, JD. Many thanks. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and yours! 🙂
And the same to you, JD! Looks, from the photos on your blog, as if that is guaranteed. 🙂 Your children are such cuties.
They are! 😀 They are a gift!
And God entrusted those precious little ones to your care. He knew, I’m sure, how protective you would be of them. ❤
We certainly are God’s instruments and I am thankful when He uses me to carry out missions ❤
Same here, Christy. ❤
It’s an interesting post. Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you for stopping by. Have a Happy New Year!