I think it would behoove each and every one of us to read Deuteronomy 13:6-18. This passage shows us just how much importance God places upon idolatry. We probably should not go out and execute those around us who are practicing idolatry – after all, we are not a theocracy – however, we, as Christians, should condemn it. Strongly.
I was discussing this with a friend who is a missionary in Asia. He said, “You don’t know true idolatry; I deal with true idolatry every day!” While we may not have many people who bow down to and venerate wood or stone figures or practice ancestor worship, we do have true idolatry in the USA. Colossians 3:5 tells us that covetousness is idolatry. And that one is the most emphatic in the list of things we are to avoid. It is easy to not covet. Covetousness is wanting that which does not rightfully belong to you. However, the word translated as “covetousness” is better translated as “greed”. That one is a little trickier.
What exactly is greed? It is the state of desiring to have more than what one is due. It can also be used as avarice, insatiableness, or covetousness generally, although covetousness is typically more specific. In other words, “greed” is subjective. A billionaire may or may not be greedy. A person living in destitution may or may not be greedy. Greed can easily be tied in with “thou shall not steal”.
Today’s society in the USA (and in most of the world) is based upon stealing. Usually not directly, but indirectly through voting to take one person’s money and giving it to someone else to whom it does not rightfully belong. Today, these are called “entitlements”, but you are never entitled to what rightfully belongs to someone else.
Unfortunately, many, if not most preachers and Bible teachers do not understand basic economics or the theory of money, and they often promote a so-called “Christian socialism”. If it is not voluntary, it is wrong, period. We are commanded to help the poor. In no place in the Bible are we commanded to steal from someone else to give it to the poor, nor are we commanded to vote for someone else to do so. It is time to stop this wickedness from destroying our country and return it to the greatness it once was.
Deuteronomy 13:11: And all Israel shall heal and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.