How can we have a true messenger without having a true message?

I have made the mistake of looking for true messengers instead of looking for true messages. This subtle difference in focus has led to idolatry.

I speak of my own idolatry and what I'm learning as I repent and change. It is so easy to fall into idolatry and worship something or someone which is not God. The first definition of idolatry that came up on google is:

idolatry

• worship of idols
• extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone.

Here is the Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary definition.

Idolatry

1. The worship of idols, images, or any thing made by hands, or which is not God.

Idolatry is of two kinds; the worship of images, statues, pictures, etc. made by hands; and the worship of the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon and stars, or of demons, angels, men and animals.

2. Excessive attachment or veneration for any thing, or that which borders on adoration.

The form of idolatry I have been most susceptible to is extreme admiration, love, or reverence for someone.

Why have I been susceptible to this form of idolatry?

Because someone has money . . .

or fame . . .

or power . . .

or position . . .

or knowledge . . .

or experience . . .

or confidence . . .

or spiritual gifts . . .

or a connection with heaven . . .

or love . . .

or . . .

It's easy to have extreme admiration, love, or reverence for someone, especially when that person has something, some quality, or some experience I am lacking. It is easier to idolize someone I can see and touch than to worship the God who I do not see or touch. Yet, I am left with an empty feeling when I give way to idolatry. No one or no thing can ever replace the fulfillment, peace, and joy that comes from true worship of the living God.

Part of my weakness has been feeling I need someone's help in my journey back to God, and it is true enough that I do need help, but I trust God will send the help when I am ready and when I need it. “When the student is ready the teacher appears.” Those teachers come in all shapes and sizes, and they often come in the form of mortals. But if a mortal or angel from heaven is sent to deliver a message from God, should I admire or reverence that being? NO!!!

John, who still resides on and ministers to those on this earth as a translated being, had to also learn this lesson.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. . . (Revelation 19:9-13)

A servant came with a true message, and John fell at his feet to worship him. The messenger said, “See thou do it not.” Following this, a glorious vision of our Lord was opened to John. The servant/messenger came and did what God asked him to do, but it wasn't because of the messenger that John received the vision, it was because of God.

It is so easy to admire, love, or reverence the messenger that comes from God. I have looked at my experience and understood my idolatry at a new level. When a true message is delivered, I feel God. I like that feeling. I'm tempted to associate that feeling with the messenger who stands before me instead of God who is the author of the message.

No matter the experience, knowledge, or gifts of others, no one is more special than another. There is no reason to admire or reverence anyone or anything except God. God is no respecter of persons, and I think it wise to follow His example.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35)

It is the message that matters not the messenger. The most lowly and unnoticed among us can come with a true message that should be considered, and the most revered and trusted can come with a false message that ought to be rejected. It is easy to be lifted in pride and fall prey to idolatry.

I do not point my finger at the idolater because the sin has been in me. I am in process of repenting and seeing things in a brighter light.

What is the new paradigm my heart is learning?

• I see all others as equals with me. No one is more special or less special than another. It does not matter what they've done, said, or experienced, they are my equal.
• I consider the message that is delivered because of the message not because of the messenger.
• I trust God, and only God. He is my teacher, He is my Savior, and He sets up and orchestrates every lesson along my path of increased happiness, joy, and peace.
• My journey is unique. I follow the path God has laid out for me, and trust that everyone else is doing the same thing. My journey is between God and me. I am grateful when I cross paths with others and experience the joy of God together, but my attachment is to God not to the mortals or immortals with whom I associate.
• I love others because to love and serve each other is to know God.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25

I am grateful for my experiences as an idolater because I have learned that idolatry brings misery, sadness, longing, doubt, and instability. I cannot say I have repented of idolatry just because I see a new level of idolatry that I had not comprehended; because whenever I think I have been enlightened and come out of the dark, I find there is still a greater light to be comprehended. But seeing how to more fully repent of idolatry has brought me greater peace and freedom.  

Worshipping Men, No Can Do

Elder Bednar visited our stake June 15^th - 17^th to reorganize our stake presidency.  He met with the youth on Friday night, the leaders on Saturday afternoon, and the adults on Saturday night. He presided at the general session on Sunday.

In May, the stake president went around to each of the wards in the stake. He spoke for quite some time and asked the members to spiritually prepare to be taught by an apostle of the Lord.  At Elder Bednar’s request, we were asked to be in our seats 30 minutes before the meeting started. 

We were working outside on Friday afternoon and lost track of time.  Our youth didn’t make it to the Friday night meeting until 6:50 p.m.  The parking lot was full, but abnormally quiet.  The stake president was out in the parking lot with two chairs reserving parking spaces.  He had his cell phone and was awaiting the arrival of the apostle and general authority.  As our youth walked into the meeting, they noticed the total silence.  It was a marvel to see so many youth completely quiet. 

Elder Bednar walked in at 7:00 p.m. and almost everyone stood up to welcome him.  I wonder why he had everyone arrive at 6:30 p.m. when he barely showed up on time. What’s all this standing up for an apostle business?  When my family came home and told me what had happened, I was troubled.

This same behavior continued throughout the weekend. Elder Bednar would come in at the last minute, and almost everyone would rise to his or her feet. At the close of the general session, the congregation was instructed to wait at their seats while the visiting authorities exited. Once again, the congregation rose to their feet as the procession departed.

We should be ashamed of our damning behavior.  It would be almost impossible for any man to be humble and continue being the object of such fawning, praise, adoration, and worship.  All of this flattery leads to over-inflated heads and egos. We are the ones who put these men into office by our sustaining vote. They aren’t there because they have earned the status of our God.

During the Friday night meeting, Elder Bednar told the youth that when the quorum of the twelve meets, they rise to their feet as President Monson walks in the room.  Even Elder Packer, who experiences great pain when he stands, makes the sacrifice to rise for President Monson. This sounds too much like the scribes and Pharisees. 

 1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

What does it mean to sit in Moses’ seat? Are the scribes and Pharisees the leaders of Christ’s church? Did they claim to possess the same power and authority given to Moses?

 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Why are we to observe and do their words but not follow after their actions?

 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Why do they want to be noticed by men?

 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Why do they love and expect special treatment? Why do men seek a red seat? 

7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Why do these church leaders want to be highly thought of and appear religiously superior? How does Christ feel about being supplanted by the scribes and Pharisees?  What is Christ’s position?  What is our position? Are humans to be put one above another?

 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Matthew 23:1-12 

What is the role of the great ones? How does a great man see himself? Will he ever draw attention to his greatness? 

The Scribes and Pharisees have the seniority thing so deeply rooted in them that when they left the woman who was caught in adultery, they went out in order of their seniority.  “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst” John 8:9. In our day it would be comparable to two or more apostles walking through the doorway in order of their seniority.  It looks kind of ridiculous, but seniority and position seem to give the impression of supremacy.

A few years ago, we were invited to the wedding ceremony for a general authority’s daughter.  Even though we were invited to the ceremony, we were told that we were not allowed to come to the private reception held for church authorities.  Family and friends waited outside while church leaders paid their respects to the bride and groom. Something didn’t feel right.  Why don’t our leaders want to socialize with us who they lead? Family and friends participated in the public reception held later that evening.

Is this kind of elitist idol worship going to save us? Can anyone but the Lord, Jesus Christ redeem us?  Should we put anyone except God on a pedestal?  Then why do we do it?  If everyone is doing it, do we have to join in?  How does idol worship damn its participants?

“But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much unbelief as were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the vain things of the world; yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the remission of your sins, with an everlasting faith, which is to come.” Alma 7:6

The Doctrine of the Anti-Christ

Several lights went on in my head as I read the following excerpt from a blog:

“On why I continually say "I'm nothing and nobody" there are doctrinal reasons. Those who are religious, and follow a converted disciple of Christ, are still damned if they substitute a man in the place that belongs only to Christ. Sincere, but deluded people who claim they are disciples of Paul, Apollos, Peter, Moses, Isaiah, even Thomas Monson, but who do not receive a testimony of Christ, are damned. They suffer the vengeance of eternal fire. (D&C 76: 99-106.) They are consigned to hell, and are resurrected as Telestial beings. This is because they followed a man. It is a grave mistake and salvation is lost when that mistake is made. Those who invite people to follow them, and deliberately seek devotees are anti-Christ and bringing souls to destruction. These religious Pied Pipers will incur the greater damnation. If someone is going to make that mistake by claiming they are following me, they will not do so without being told by me unequivocally and with some frequency that they are mistaken. I am nothing, and I have not ever attempted to become an anti-Christ. I point to Christ, for He alone can rescue you from the pains of hell and eternal torment. Those who put themselves up for adoration and worship are mistaken, are practicing priestcraft, are anti-Christ, and in the employ of the enemy to our souls.” From the desk of Denver Snuffer 

While reading the post, I remembered two distinct occasions when I have felt like a complete idiot for trying to look to another mortal as a source of divine enlightenment.  In both situations I was treated kindly, but my efforts to put a mortal on a pedestal were completely rejected.  The first time I had this feeling was with an institute teacher who I highly respect for his knowledge of the gospel.  The second time I had this feeling was with Denver Snuffer.  

Other men seem to accept my idolatry and praises with open arms, but not these two. I doubt either one of them knew what was going on in my heart.  I was feeling God's reprimand.  I knew I had done something that was not appropriate. I didn’t understand my mistake, but I felt it. I was embarrassed and didn’t want to make that kind of mistake again. 

I'm a little slow, but I finally get it.  Both of these men understood something I did not.  They were more interested in my eternal exaltation than in being honored, praised, adored, and put up on a pedestal.  Both of them have powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ.  I desire the same kind of testimony, so I attempted to follow them.  That's when they quickly corrected me.  I will be damned even if I follow a converted disciple of Christ. If I want to have a testimony of Christ, I need to follow Christ.

I have been so deeply indoctrinated with the false belief that I should follow somebody, who is superior to me in gospel knowledge and privilege, that I have acted foolishly. I have found it is very easy to get caught up in: Who is the most admired among us?  Having a calling from God gives us status.  I’m important because I know so and so.  Look at me, aren’t I great? etc.

Those who led the church of God in the days of Christ did not understand their damning influence upon the Jewish people, and if they did, they intentionally rebelled against God. Christ wisely counseled his followers.

“Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” Even though the church belongs to God, Christ does not try to supplant the Scribes and Pharisees in their callings. It is important that we follow Christ’s example when we see hypocrisy among us?

 

“For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,” Why do they toot their own horns? Why are they the heroes in their own stories? Why do they love the best seats?  Does it make them feel superior to their fellow mortals?  Does it hide their insecurities?

“And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.”  Why do they want others to call them Rabbi, Lord, and Master?  Do they really think they have a superior status to other men?

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

What advice does Christ give His followers?  What happens in the heart of the abased servant?  If we are abased, should we despise the experience?  Do we need recognition for our service, like the Jewish church leadership who so desperately demanded it?

“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.”  How does the perverse doctrine of the scribes and Pharisees prevent mankind from entering the kingdom of heaven?  Can we find Christ when we're worshiping men? Did Jesus receive any fruit from His vineyard when religious people bowed to other humans? Matthew 21:41

After seeing the Jews blindly and foolishly follow church leaders, are we going to make the same mistake? Is there a difference between respecting the order that is established in the church and following the hierarchy? How would you describe the difference? Matt. 23:1-13 

Did the Pharisees realize they were causing the people to violate the first two commandments?  “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself 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;” Exodus 20:3-5 

Have God's commandments been rewritten to say, “Don’t worship anything except God and church leaders who represent God?” Why, in our right mind, would we look to another human for divine guidance?  Prophets come with a message, but that’s it!  They don’t want to be worshiped. “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10 True prophets will forbid others to worship them because they know of its damning consequences.

Satan wants to be worshiped. “And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me” Moses 1:19. Do we want to follow Satan in his desire to be worshiped?  Do we want to be disciples of humans who want to be worshiped and followed? Should we follow anyone except the Lord?

Claiming “the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience” may require great sacrifice Articles of Faith 1:11. 

Daniel was cast  into the den of lions for refusing to put his good friend, King Darius, above the true and living God Daniel 6.

When the lives of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were threatened because they refused to bow down to the King’s golden image, they “answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” The King didn’t like their answer and disciplined them Daniel 3.

These stories have been an inspiration to me. They are more than just Bible stories; they have become my living reality.  Do I have the same kind of courage as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego?

Last September, some friends reported me to church leaders because of my beliefs.  I believe church leaders can make mistakes and are human just like the rest of us. This created no small stir. I was promptly called in for an interview.  During the course of the conversation, I let my interviewer know that I am willing to support, sustain, and help others do the best they can in the calling that has been assigned to them, but I am not willing to follow and worship anyone except God.  If someone claims to speak for God, I will take the message to the Lord and ask for a witness from the Holy Ghost.  

My interviewer was also concerned about my quest to receive the Second Comforter.  He told me that it was not right to seek for such a thing.  I was informed that I am out of line and need to change my attitude. Well, I'm still only going to worship God.  It's taken me a long time to discover my abomination before the Lord.  I've been a human follower most of my life, and I'm not going back to my idolatry.  

My belief in worshiping only God and seeking His face is perceived as dangerous. I was told that I was not to ask questions and make comments during church meetings. I asked if I could say something if the comments and questions are based in the scriptures.  The answer was no.  I am only allowed to quote the manual or the opinion of my local leader.  I’ve honored this request.  I just keep my mouth shut.

I would have had a hard time believing my experience if it wasn’t happening to me.  Is this for real?  You mean the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints allows church members to be condemned for only worshiping God and seeking His face? I do not despise my experiences because they have been so good for my heart, but I do have great concern about the path we are taking.

We have serious problems in the church.  Compelling people to worship the hierarchy is wrong.  It damns people and is the doctrine of the anti-Christ.  This doctrine is polluting the Holy Church of God. “O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?” Mormon 8:38

A few weeks ago, a friend asked if she could send me something in the mail.  I said sure. When I opened the package, I discovered that it was anti-Mormon literature.  I've never read anything like this before and probably wouldn't spend much time with it, except my friend seemed really concerned about my Mormon beliefs. I wanted to understand her worries. After spending several hours reading and watching everything that was sent to me, I said to myself, “That’s it?  People leave the Mormon Church over this?  I was expecting something shocking and alarming. Haven't these people inquired of God and obtained their own witness?” 

I know the church has problems; some of the problems are big problems.  I am not naive to what many of those problems are, but we still have the greatest collection of written revelations from God.  Joseph Smith saw God face to face and invited us to do the same. We are to teach the principles of Christ’s gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel D&C 42:12.   We have also been given the Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  So many truths to study, ponder, and pray about.   

The heavens are open to anyone who is willing to come.  God is asking us to come.  “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28-30 

Christ is the only one who can save me from my sins.  His yoke is easy. He delivers me from sorrow and fills my life with joy.  Thank you God for this grand adventure. 

Abraham Rejects the Traditions of His Father

The Preacher of the True Faith - Legends of the Jews

When Abraham attained the age of twenty years, his father Terah fell ill. He spoke as follows to his sons Haran and Abraham, "I adjure you by your lives, my sons, sell these two idols for me, for I have not enough money to meet our expenses." Haran executed the wish of his father, but if any one accosted Abraham, to buy an idol from him, and asked him the price, he would answer, "Three manehs," and then question in turn, "How old art thou?" "Thirty years," the reply would be. "Thou art thirty years of age, and yet thou wouldst worship this idol which I made but to-day?" The man would depart and go his way, and another would approach Abraham, and ask, "How much is this idol?" and "Five manehs" would be the reply, and again Abraham would put the question, "How old art thou?" -- "Fifty years." -- "And dost thou who art fifty years of age bow down before this idol which was made but to-day?" Thereupon the man would depart and go his way. Abraham then took two idols, put a rope about their necks, and, with their faces turned downward, he dragged them along the ground, crying aloud all the time: "Who will buy an idol wherein there is no profit, either unto itself or unto him that buys it in order to worship it? It has a mouth, but it speaketh not; eyes, but it seeth not; feet, but it walketh not; ears, but it heareth not." 

The people who heard Abraham were amazed exceedingly at his words. As he went through the streets, he met an old woman who approached him with the purpose of buying an idol, good and big, to be worshipped and loved. "Old woman, old woman," said Abraham, "I know no profit therein, either in the big ones or in the little ones, either unto themselves or unto others. And," he continued to speak to her, "what has become of the big image thou didst buy from my brother Haran, to worship it?" "Thieves," she replied, "came in the night and stole it, while I was still at the bath." "If it be thus," Abraham went on questioning her, "how canst thou pay homage to an idol that cannot save itself from thieves, let alone save others, like thyself, thou silly old woman, out of misfortune? How is it possible for thee to say that the image thou worshippest is a god? If it be a god, why did it not save itself out of the hands of those thieves? Nay, in the idol there is no profit, either unto itself or unto him that adores it." 

The old woman rejoined, "If what thou sayest be true, whom shall I serve?" "Serve the God of all gods," returned Abraham, "the Lord of lords, who hath created heaven and earth, the sea and all therein -- the God of Nimrod and the God of Terah, the God of the east, the west, the south, and the north. Who is Nimrod, the dog, who calleth himself a god, that worship be offered unto him?" 

Abraham succeeded in opening the eyes of the old woman, and she became a zealous missionary for the true God. When she discovered the thieves who had carried off her idol, and they restored it to her, she broke it in pieces with a stone, and as she wended her way through the streets, she cried aloud, "Who would save his soul from destruction, and be prosperous in all his doings, let him serve the God of Abraham." Thus she converted many men and women to the true belief. 

Rumors of the words and deeds of the old woman reached the king, and he sent for her. When she appeared before him, he rebuked her harshly, asking her how she dared serve any god but himself. The old woman replied: "Thou art a liar, thou deniest the essence of faith, the One Only God, beside whom there is no other god. Thou livest upon His bounty, but thou payest worship to another, and thou dost repudiate Him, and His teachings, and Abraham His servant." 

The old woman had to pay for her zeal for the faith with her life. Nevertheless great fear and terror took possession of Nimrod, because the people became more and more attached to the teachings of Abraham, and he knew not how to deal with the man who was undermining the old faith. At the advice of his princes, he arranged a seven days' festival, at which all the people were bidden to appear in their robes of state, their gold and silver apparel. By such display of wealth and power he expected to intimidate Abraham and bring him back to the faith of the king. Through his father Terah, Nimrod invited Abraham to come before him, that he might have the opportunity of seeing his greatness and wealth, and the glory of his dominion, and the multitude of his princes and attendants. But Abraham refused to appear before the king. On the other hand, he granted his father's request that in his absence he sit by his idols and the king's, and take care of them. 

Alone with the idols, and while he repeated the words, "The Eternal He is God, the Eternal He is God!" he struck the king's idols from their thrones, and began to belabor them with an axe. With the biggest he started, and with the smallest he ended. He hacked off the feet of one, and the other he beheaded. This one had his eyes struck out, the other had his hands crushed. After all were mutilated, he went away, having first put the axe into the hand of the largest idol. 

The feast ended, the king returned, and when he saw all his idols shivered in pieces, he inquired who had perpetrated the mischief. Abraham was named as the one who had been guilty of the outrage, and the king summoned him and questioned him as to his motive for the deed. Abraham replied: "I did not do it; it was the largest of the idols who shattered all the rest. Seest thou not that he still has the axe in his hand? And if thou wilt not believe my words, ask him and he will tell thee." 

Come to the Source, Clean and Living Waters

It seems easy in a world where fame and fortune are seen as the “good life” to place our hearts on something other than God. The empty hole remains in our life when we continue to look for peace and happiness in all the wrong places.

God says, “Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:4

What is an idol?

An idol is any thing which usurps the place of God in the hearts of his rational creatures. An image, form or representation, usually of a man or other animal, consecrated as an object of worship; A person loved and honored to adoration. Any thing on which we set our affections; that to which we indulge an excessive and sinful attachment.

In examining my life, I realize that I’ve been guilty of idol worship. Now, I’m not one to bow down to a statue, but there are more common and subtle forms of idol worship. I ask myself questions like: how do I spend my time? What do I think about all day long? What do I think about my nice stuff? Who do I admire, respect, and follow? All of these can easily become idols and usurp the place of God in my heart.

It is a common tendency for us to get in each other’s way on this journey back to God. Much of it is done with good intentions, but it still gets in the way. Maybe we think that others should accept our beliefs and paradigms because we know what’s right. Someone else’s beliefs might even threaten or make us feel insecure about our own beliefs. A few people feel the need to control and manipulate other’s beliefs as a way of showing they have power and authority over others.

Whatever the reason, we need to stop setting up others and ourselves as idols. It muddies the waters. It prevents us from asking, seeking, and knocking. Idol worship prevents us from coming to know God. Why would we ask a human being when we can ask God?

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Luke 11:9-10

Who are we seeking to find? What do we want to know?

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. Articles of Faith 1:11

Why doesn’t God want anyone to dictate how another person worships or how they believe?

When we adore and follow others, does God see it as idol worship?

Has Jesus ever asked us to follow anyone else? “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” John 10:27

Even John the Revelator needed to be taught not to worship others. You mean we can’t even worship angels sent from God? “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10

As you read the following parable ask yourself: Am I one of the bulls? Am I one of the cattle drinking dirty water? Or am I willing to go to the Source and drink clean and living water?

"Our Father in Heaven showed to me something like a waking dream . . . I saw a large beautiful fountain of crystal clear water flowing freely from the earth. The water was extremely clean and pure--I could see clear to the bottom of the wide river that was formed. I was very thirsty; and I approached the water and drank. I was immediately filled with the love of God; and I knew these were the Waters of Life--that are free and without cost. I was filled with happiness and love.

I looked to where the waters were flowing and saw a large herd of cattle in the river; and as quickly as I looked, I was with them. There were two herds--a herd of bulls was upstream from the rest of the herd which consisted of bulls, cows, heifers, and calves. I was with the cattle downstream from the bulls; and I was thirsty again. But, when I looked down at the water that was swirling around my legs; I could see only small patches of clean and pure water. I looked upstream and saw that the herd of bulls was churning up sand and silt--they were doing what cattle do when they stand in the middle of a stream--depositing wastes into the water. The cattle downstream were moving back and forth--looking for clean patches of water.

I remembered the fountain of Living Water and headed for the stream bank. As I climbed out of the stream, the other cattle called to me, "Come back. Where are you going?" I replied, "I am going up to the Source--the water is clean and pure there" Then, the herd of bulls saw me and bellowed, "Get back in the herd; the water must pass through us; you must only drink the water that passes through us; you will be deceived and lost" I continued back up to the Source and drank the refreshing water again. I was careful not to pollute the water or stir up any silt.

I looked at the herd of bulls again--they were all facing downstream--away from the source. All they had to do was turn and drink pure water; but they didn't seem to notice the Source. I called out, "Come up to the Source where the water is clean" But, no one would listen or respond." John Hess

The Lord says, “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:13

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life. Doctrine and Covenants 63:23

Come unto the fountain of living water and receive peace and happiness that has no end.