Glory

Romans 1:21-23 - "For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles" (Christian Standard Bible). 

“Idolatry” is a familiar word to us, especially in Biblical contexts. 

While we may be familiar with the idea of idolatry, our insight often falls short on what it means to be an idolater, or even the ramifications of idolatry.  Romans 1:21-23 spells it plainly for us. 

Idolatry is worship. 

At the heart of worship is saying that something has glory, or even ascribing glory to it. 

The Hebrew word for glory is literally translated as, “weight.”

If something had weight, it had worth or value. 

In fact, it was not until after Israel’s return from captivity in Babylon that the use of coins became prominent as currency. Up until that time, value was determined by the weight of the silver or gold. 

The glory of God is the measure of the weight, or worthiness of God. Worship was to be only to God because nothing had more glory than Him. 

There are two types of beings; Creator and created. 

These two are separated by an infinite chasm of glory. 

Idolatry happens when we ascribe Creator value to created things. 

As Romans declares, this is foolishness. 

So then, what should our response be? 

Acknowledging God’s glory, surrendering to His will, and living in the light of His grace all the days of our lives. 

 Pastor Brandon