As you do evangelism in your workplace, you will also come across: I. religious do-gooders; II. self-made men; III. worshippers of idols.
How can you lead them a step nearer to faith in our Saviour? For this pastoral column article, I will be covering briefly Type III: Those who worship idols. Traditionally, these are the ones who worship man-made images or statues. Today in many cultures, people still worship such idols. You can start by asking, “I am curious about this god you are worshipping.” alternatively, you can do an independent research and be prayerful about what you have read.
“You shall have no other gods before me. (Exo 20:3). “I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols” (Isa 42:8).
An idol is anything that replaces the one, true God. Today, idolatry goes beyond the worship of physical images and so-called “gods.” Many people spend much time in their own careers and idolizing their leaders. Their leaders are today’s living “gods and goddesses” and “idols.” They have successful careers, high social status, powers of influence, much wealth, well-acquainted with luxuries and so on. People who imitate and idolise them are actually worshipping “idols” and not the true and living God.
Idolaters devote time and resources to the objects of their worship. While some consult the “gods” for decisions in life, other make their own choices. Do you ask God for wisdom in your choices? Like Adam and Eve, mankind continue to follow the ancient lie of the Devil by making choices apart from God’s will.
“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen 3:5).
Before you can share the Gospel, firstly, remember and be grateful that you are saved by faith by hearing and believing in the Gospel of Christ. You also need to grow spiritually by feeding on the spiritual milk and meat from the Bible. As salt of the earth, your words and lifestyles can “salt” the earth so that the Gospel seed can grow. The light of the Gospel of Christ in your hearts can shine through your lives and point to Jesus who is “the Light of the world.”
Secondly, be alert to new forms of “idolatry” that can come into your lives. New forms of idols can come at different stages of your lives to take away your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. He is the full manifestation of the invisible God.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 Jn 5:21).
Thirdly, pray for God’s mercy for those around you. Ask God to give you wisdom, discernment and compassion so as to listen to them, and to pose questions to clarify the terms that they use. “What you do mean by ….?”
Pose them challenging questions that will stop them in their path to idolatry. “Are you sure…? “Are you confident that you will receive …..?”
Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring conviction and understanding of the Gospel. On the judgment day of Christ all who refused to believe in the Gospel will face Christ, the Judge.
Elder Yoong Yuen Soo