Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction.

Deuteronomy 7:26

Today we’re talking about stuff God finds detestable. You got anything like that hanging around your place?

In Deuteronomy, the “detestable things” were idols. Images of silver or gold that people would bow down to. Sure, you may have an overabundance of jewelry to consider, but what are some other idols that might have creeped in to your place?

Here are four to consider:

1. Our stuff. TV’s, iphones, Alexa and more. From waking until sleeping I’m surrounded by screens. If I’m not careful I could convince myself that I can’t live without my consumer electronics.
2. Our closets. I have two closets stuffed to the max with clothing. How many minutes do I spend each day trying on outfits? If I’m not careful I could become enamored with my image in the mirror, idolizing myself.
3. Our pantry. I have a cupboard full of food but still complain about there being nothing to eat. If I’m not careful I could start worshipping food as entertainment instead of nourishment.
4. Our cars. I bought one of those monthly packages at the car wash. Now I can drive through anytime I want and look sleek and clean. If I’m not careful this prized possession will threaten to possess me.

Those are just some examples, and you may think of others. Right there, in the midst of our households. This can serve as a reminder that some of the things we cherish the most can become detestable in God’s sight.

Should we go without clothes or food? Throw Alexa into the fireplace? Give up our cars?

The answer, of course, is YES. (Bet you didn’t expect that).

YES, if any of those things threaten to occupy the top spot in your life. The moment when what you wear becomes an unhealthy obsession, it’s time to donate your clothes and start over with something simple. The day your car becomes more important to you than the occupants inside it is the day you start over and buy a bike.

This idol stuff is scary, because it’s easy to fall prey to. Right now, most of us feel the need for something, anything, to make us feel whole again. To feel important and comfortable. I get that, and I feel it too.

But here’s the “test” in “detestable”. If your perceived “needs” outweigh the depth of your faith, you’re needing the wrong things, and too much. You’re better off throwing them out and starting over.

A word like “detestable” is not easily tossed around, so God must mean business about this.

The next time you’re about to hop in your pristine car, all dressed up to go out and eat, it might not hurt just to ask:

Alexa, is this too much?

Have a great week,

Mitch