4 Dimensions of Idolatry

Dr. Walter Kaiser points out four dimensions of idolatry that can be found in Micah 5:

Self-help. “I will cut off your horses from among you and will destroy your chariots” (5:10). This is about self- confidence: "We can do it!" What room is there for God if there is nothing you cannot do? “Believe in yourself. You’ve got the horses.” That’s idolatry. But the truth is, your next breath is sustained by the hand of Almighty God.

Self-defence. “I will cut off the cities of your land and throw down all your strongholds” (5:11). This is about the security you build for yourself-financial security, your career, and the achievements that put you in a position of strength. Putting these in the place of God is idolatry.

Self-deception. “I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes” (5:12). G. K. Chesterton said, “When men stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing, they believe in anything.” Where God is not known, superstition abounds.

Self-worship. “I will cut off your carved images and your pillars from among you, and you shall bow down no more to the work of your hands” (5:13). This is about what “I” have achieved, who “I” have become, and what “I” can offer in the marketplace—that’s idolatry.

In which of these four areas do you most need to look away from yourself to God?