Idolatry is one of the problems confronting humanity world over. Idol worship leads individuals, families and communities into bondage. No wonder, the Almighty God warned in his ten commandments to Moses in Exodus chapter 20, from verses three to five, that:“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth”.
God continues: “You shall not bow down to them, nor serve them: for I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me”.
This commandment of God simply tells humanity that idol worship is bad. Generally, idol worship means the worship, praise, seeking help, honour, bowing and respect of any other god, image, power or persons. Unfortunately, despite God’s injunctions, many have gone neck deep into idolatry. Most youths today rely heavily on idol to do their businesses, primarily to make them become wealthy overnight.
Although, youths engage in cultural activities like masquerading, Iri ji and Ofala festivals, their commitment to idol worship is alarming. It must however be understood that most of the cultural festivals are not idol worship.
No doubt, idol worship has done more harm than good to the future of the youths in the society. It can destroy the society, and thus affect the future of youths and children, as well as generations yet unborn. Idol worship in the family leads to untold hardship, stagnation, poverty, sicknesses, shame, reproach, insanity, untimely death, failure and bondage.
God hates idolatry so much and regards it as a spiritual adultery, which brings His anger on the people. Africa has one of the largest strange altars and perhaps the largest number of idols as is also the case in many European, South American and Asian counties. Idolatry brings curses upon the people and the land. Idolatry can
decimate a family, reducing its population to nothing. God hates those who bow to idols or worship them. God visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generations of them that hate Him.
Idolatry provokes God to jealousy, ignites His anger as well as defiles and pollutes people and the land. Idol in the family affects every member of the family, especially the youths, whose future is at stake. It stagnates the progress, growth and development of the youths.
Many families have been thrown into hardship, difficulty and want because of unfulfilled promises made to idols by their forefathers. To escape the wrath of God, idol worshipers should not only undergo thorough deliverance and do away with anything that is connected with idol, but should also ensure that there is total cleansing by men of God, who have the spiritual might and power to do so.
Wealth from idol do not last. Thus, youths should be encouraged to learn various skills that can enhance their self-reliance and condition of living. It is gratifying that the Anambra State Government has introduced one youth two skills initiative. The youths can avail themselves of this golden opportunity, to better their lives.
Similarly , there are also numerous empowerment programmes which can reposition the youths to be productive and useful citizens. Some churches also have skills acquisition centres where the youths can learn various trades and skills to better their lives. Idols are man-made gods. We should not turn them into ultimate things more important than the Almighty God. Christians should therefore pray for God to show them what their idols are and invite Him to help overcome them.
Above all, parents and guardians should lead youths to God. God is gracious to us. We should not introduce the youths to idolatry or bequeath shrines and altars to them. We should lead them to Jesus Christ who died for us while we are still sinners. Those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and personal savior are brought into right relationship with God.
May the Lord continued to hear our prayers.
Written by ABUCHI NWOZOR
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