In the Old Testament, things like the Golden Calf and pagan gods were idols. Today, the idols in our world look a bit different. A group of fifth and sixth graders were discussing the 1st commandment and listing off different idols that people might have today, and they came up with a pretty solid list including; money, sports, social media, and Taylor Swift. As the discussion continued, one girl raised her hand, with a little concern in her voice, and asked, “Wait, can we still love Taylor Swift? We just have to love God more than her, right?” This kid gets it! We can love other people and enjoy things in our lives, but we have to love God above all.
When it comes to modern idols, we typically don’t see people bowing down before them in adoration and praise. But rather, the idols in today’s world include anything that is placed before God. When other people and things are placed above God, we are pulled away from Him. Ultimately, this is often what leads people to not go to Mass. The desires for pleasure, power, and possessions pull us away from God. We see this when people choose things like comfort/sleep, vacation, or sports instead of Mass.
When we say we believe in and love God, our lives must reflect it. Otherwise, it is just an empty phrase. Since love is an action and not simply a feeling, our belief in and love of God must lead us to pray, worship Him at mass, and serve generously. It is only when we do these things that we can make God the priority in our lives, honoring the 1st commandment.
God is not against us enjoying the good things in life, as He is the giver of all good gifts. We can enjoy sports, listening to artists, using technology and other items that enhance or make life easier. It’s when we love and enjoy them more than God that it becomes a problem.
Today, there is so much that can compete for our attention. We must always make sure that we are putting God in the number one spot. So, go to that football game, take time for a hobby or activity that you like, go on vacation, but don’t allow these things to become idols that pull you away from God or from Mass. In the wisdom of a 6th grader, continue to love Taylor Swift, but just don’t love her more than God!
Faith and The Good Stuff 