“When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us.” So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”
Exodus 32:1-4, in part
Whenever I read this portion of the Bible, I can’t help but shake my head in dismay. Seriously, guys. The calf was formed by human hands and didn’t even exist when you left Egypt! How delusional can you be? You must’ve spent too many days wandering in the hot sun.
But the next thing I wonder is: What is my modern-day golden calf?
Hey, I’m Lauren, author of YA Christian fiction and blogger for teens with higher aim.
In This Article
The Need For Something to Believe In
I think this story very clearly demonstrates a basic human anomaly: We have a strong need to believe in something. We were wired—purposefully, I might add—to look to a higher power. The problem is, sometimes the higher power we seek is the wrong one.
Maybe it still happens in other countries and cultures, but you don’t see many Americans bowing to statues made of stone, wood, or gold today. So some might argue that we’ve moved past the need to worship anything at all and have found everything we need in ourselves…
And therein lies our modern idolatry.
Modern Idolatry: “Hail the Almighty Me!”
“You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you can imagine.”
“You are absolutely capable of making your dreams come true.”
“The true key to self-confidence is becoming a master at self-discipline and practicing delayed gratification.”
We’ve moved past the need to worship anything at all and have found everything we need in ourselves…
And therein lies our idolatry.
Who needs the real Almighty when we can conquer anything with a little more ambition and a little more discipline, right? The speakers of the above quotes might have meant well, but we’re beginning to sound like the little guys in the Hall of Miniatures in the movie Night At The Museum. Do you know which ones I’m talking about?
“We may be small, but our hearts are large! Metaphorically speaking.”
The truth is, there actually are limits to what you are capable of. You can believe in the abilities God gave you, but don’t delude yourself into thinking you’re Superman or the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
I talk about this more in my post Believing In Yourself Is Not Enough To Really Succeed.
Romance: Another Modern-Day Golden Calf
When is the last time you bowed to your boyfriend? Never? That does not mean you’ve never worshipped him. Or, if not the actual person, the idea of romance.
This is a big one for teens. All around you, your peers are starting relationships with members of the opposite sex. Maybe you’re even in a romantic relationship yourself. Romance is not a bad thing. God created love, romance, and even physical affection as gifts for us to enjoy in their proper place.
But romance is a prime example of one area where humans are inclined to worship the gift rather than the Giver.
How do you know if this is your modern-day golden calf? If you feel lost or incomplete without a boyfriend/girlfriend, you might be turning romance into an idol. If you are more interested in pleasing your boyfriend/girlfriend than you are in pleasing God, this is a case of modern idolatry. Feeling unhappy with your life and/or relationships after reading a romance novel?
That’s a warning sign, too.
Keep Christian in its proper place with these posts:
More Examples of Modern Idolatry
Think about the things you rely on and seek more than Jesus. Money? Power over others? Fashion? A perfect body? An addiction to social media or video games? Your Smartphone?
By the time you list everything that takes priority, you might start to realize that either the Israelites weren’t that deranged after all, or you belong in the same camp as them. Your modern-day golden calf might appear different, but the effect is the same.
But here’s the scary part: Whatever you worship, that’s what you grow to resemble. Worship sports superstars, and you imitate their arrogance and self-absorption. Worship beauty, and you become petty and obsessive. As Tim Challies says in The Hidden Power in Every Idol (a post you really should read): “Worship what is useless and you will become useless.”
But if you worship the One, True God, you become loving, selfless, faithful, kind, self-controlled, and patient.
Which would you rather?
Ditch the Golden Calf in Favor of the Real God!
Here’s a fact that should bring you literal peace of mind: You don’t have to play “god,” and you don’t have to worry about your other “gods” letting you down. Because if you put your trust in the One True God, the only God, nothing else can bring you down.
Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:6-7
The Israelites ditched their golden calf and went on to conquer whole lands because they put their trust in God. What will you be able to accomplish when you ditch your golden calf?
Breaking Free of Modern Idolatry: Resources For Christian Teens
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Excellent writing, Lauren and all so true in today’s world. We do well to always depend and trust in our Almighty God, that’s for sure. ✝️
Another good message, Lauren. My goodness, how many “golden calves” I have battling for my attention constantly. It is a battle I cannot win on my own but only with the help of God. It is comforting to know that I only need to turn to him and he will help me. God bless your ministry, Lauren. Keep up the good writing.
Another great message as always. Thank you ❤️
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