Below is the final instalment on the series of how not to provoke God to anger to a devastating effect in our choices and doings.

…You provoke Me to wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt where you have gone to dwell, that you may cut yourselves off and be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth? – Jeremiah 44:8

Idolatry is another way by which we instigate the anger of God to a harmful effect. Now the Dictionary describes idolatry in two broad ways; on one hand, it is “the worship of idols or false gods”, which is a common definition. In a more contemporary term, idolatry is defined as “excessive admiration or love shown for somebody or something.”

The Israelites of old usually set themselves on a collision course with God by their habitual deviations to worship articles of gold whenever they were at ease. And God never took it kindly for once, neither did He leave them unpunished for such disregard, because He had drummed it into their hearing that He is a jealous God, who does not like to be undermined, ignored, denied or replaced.

In contemporary times, while there may not be a widespread practice of the first definition of idolatry whereby folks pay obeisance to idols of various forms – indeed, some still do out of ignorance; but it is a fading practice. However, the second definition of idolatry, which borders on ‘excessive admiration or love shown for somebody or something’ is what we need to be very careful about, so that we do not run afoul of God’s command.

Having created us for His own reasons – primary among which is to worship Him – God has the prerogative of discretion as to how we live and what we do. In fact, He has his opinion about everything we do; this we can only know when we take time to read the Bible and ask for His counsel. And, where the issue of worshipping idols is concerned, He clearly states that “you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God” (Deuteronomy 5:9).

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:
https://daily-dew.com/how-not-to-provoke-god-to-anger-1/
https://daily-dew.com/how-not-to-provoke-god-to-anger-2/
https://daily-dew.com/how-not-to-provoke-god-to-anger-3/