AM I WORSHIPING IDOLS?
Do you know worship is the main reason why Satan was thrown down from Heaven?
Isaiah 14:12–15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Ezekiel 28:17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
Revelation 12:7–9 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
This series is very important for our Christian walk. You may wonder why we talk so much about Satan. It’s because he is the source of evil. When we understand his tricks, we are better prepared to stand against him.
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
One of his main tactics is to bring idols that take the place of God. He has used this scheme since the very beginning. Over and over, he led Israel astray. They rebelled and turned to idols instead of worshiping the Lord.
MEANING OF WORSHIPING IDOLS
Before we dive into the meaning of worshiping idols, what does worship entail?
True worship entails:
Reverence (putting God first)
Love & devotion (heart, soul, mind)
Spirit & truth (authenticity)
Sacrifice & surrender (daily life)
Obedience (living by His Word)
Thanksgiving & praise (gratitude)
Exclusive service (God alone, no idols)
In the Old Testament, idol worship meant literally making images of things in heaven or on earth and bowing down to them.
Exodus 20:4–5 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…
Idol worship can also mean allowing things to take God’s place in our hearts, such as money, traditions, worldly desires, or even objects made by people to represent earthly or heavenly beings.
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
An idol is anything you rely on, love, or obey more than God. It could be:
Things → money, possessions, technology, career.
People → relationships, leaders, celebrities.
Feelings → fear, pride, bitterness, pleasure.
Self → ego, independence, self-will.
When these take God’s role (provider, comforter, guide, savior, judge, king), we are entertaining idols.
ROLES GOD PLAY IN OUR LIVES
God is a supreme being who is to be worshipped and revered. He owns the entire universe. He created us, and everything on earth. He is the one who knows us best. He knew us before we were formed.
God created us and intended for us to do good before man sinned.
God alone is our Creator, Provider, Sustainer, Protector, Redeemer, Guide, Comforter, Teacher, Judge, and King.
When people, things, or feelings take these roles in our hearts → they become idols.
When are we to reach out to God?
Our provider
Our Source of Every Need
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Our Creator
The One Who Made Us.
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Our Redeemer
The One Who Saves Us from Sin
Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Our Guide
The One Who Directs Our Steps
Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Our Protecter
Our Shield and Refuge
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Our Comforter
The One Who Heals Broken Hearts
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation.
Our Sustainer
The One Who Holds Our Lives Together
Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being.
Our Judge
The One Who Holds Final Authority
Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
King & Lord
The One We Must Serve Above All
1 Timothy 6:15 …the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
PRACTICAL TEST FOR IDOLS
Ask yourself:
If I lost this thing/person today, would my whole world collapse, or would I still find my hope in God?
Does this thing compete with God for my time, devotion, and trust?
If yes → that thing may have become an idol.
Trusting in Something More Than God
If your sense of security, peace, or identity comes more from money, career, people, or possessions than from God.
Jeremiah 17:5 Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.”
Loving Something More Than God
When our love for pleasure, relationships, fame, or success is greater than our love for God.
Matthew 22:37Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Obeying Other Voices Over God’s Word
Following cultural trends, peer pressure, or personal desires that contradict God’s truth.
Acts 5:29We ought to obey God rather than men.
Sacrificing Spiritual Priorities for Earthly Gain
When worship, prayer, and service to God are pushed aside for work, entertainment, or social media.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Emotional Dependence as an Idol
When feelings (anger, fear, depression, pride, or even love for someone) rule our decisions more than God’s Spirit.
Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Defining Identity Outside of Christ
Finding worth only in status, education, tribe, nation, politics, or achievements, instead of who we are in Christ.
Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.
Entertainment and Technology as Idols
When phone, internet, celebrities, or hobbies consume more time, devotion, and energy than prayer or Scripture.
1 John 5:21Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
THE COMMANDMENTS OF MOUNT SINAI
The commandments given at Mount Sinai are in two parts: the first teaches us how to love God our Creator, and the second teaches us how to love one another. When we turn to idol worship, we end up breaking either one or both of these commandments.
The first commandment teaches us to keep God as the only Lord of our lives.
The second commandment teaches us not to replace Him with images or anything that reduces His glory.
1st Commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
In the past: This commandment directly opposed the worship of false gods common in nations surrounding Israel — like Baal, Ashtoreth, Molech, and others. These so-called gods demanded sacrifices, rituals, and devotion that belonged only to the Lord.
Today: “Other gods” don’t always look like carved idols. They can be anything that takes God’s place in our hearts — money, power, careers, pleasure, traditions, or even people we idolize. When these things become more important than obeying and loving God, they become “gods” in our lives.
2nd Commandment: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image… Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.” (Exodus 20:4–5)
In the past: This warned Israel against creating physical images of created things (sun, moon, animals, heavenly beings, etc.) and bowing to them as if they represented God. Nations around them carved statues and built altars to visible idols — but God made it clear that He cannot be reduced to an image.
Today: While some still worship physical idols, modern idolatry often comes in subtle forms. It can be material possessions, entertainment, fame, or even religious traditions and objects that people treat with more reverence than God Himself. Idolatry today is not always about statues — it’s about misplaced worship.
IDOL WORSHIPING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
In this age, many of us serve God with only half our hearts. We belong to the last church, the seventh church, the church of Laodicea.
Revelation 3:14–22 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We are so blinded by our earthly possessions that we have neglected God, the Creator of everything we are striving for.
They include:
1. Money and Wealth (Materialism)
Many people today worship money and possessions, treating them as the source of security and happiness.
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Colossians 3:5 …covetousness, which is idolatry.
2. Technology, Entertainment, and Pleasure
Phones, social media, games, celebrities, and endless entertainment can take God’s place in people’s hearts.
2 Timothy 3:4 …lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.
3. Self-Worship (Pride and Ego)
In modern culture, people often exalt themselves, chasing fame, image, and self-glory.
Philippians 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator…
4. Relationships and People
Sometimes people worship celebrities, leaders, or even loved ones, giving them more devotion than God.
Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.
5. Power, Success, and Career
Some live only to climb higher in status, influence, and career, even at the expense of God’s will.
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
6. False Religions and Spiritual Practices
Idolatry also includes modern forms of worshiping spirits, ancestors, or practicing occult rituals.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
7. Nationalism and Politics
When loyalty to a nation, tribe, or political leader becomes greater than loyalty to God, it becomes idolatry.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
JESUS TEACHING ON IDOL WORSHIP
We are Christians and so we depend on Christ our leader to guide us to our Father in Heaven. Jesus is the truth and the way to God.
Here are some of his principles on Idol worship:
Serving God vs. Serving Mammon (Money as an Idol)
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Here, Jesus equates wealth (mammon) to a false god/idol.
The Rich Young Ruler – Wealth as an Idol
Matthew 19:21-22 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
His possessions were an idol that kept him from God.
Warning Against Traditions That Replace God’s Commandments
Mark 7:7-8 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Jesus showed that man-made traditions can become idols in worship.
Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth (Rejecting False Worship)
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Jesus rejected external/idolatrous forms of worship and pointed to true worship of God.
Temptation of Worshiping Satan (Idolatry of Power)
Matthew 4:9-10 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jesus rejected Satan’s temptation to idolatry so should we.
CONSEQUENCES OF TURNING TO IDOLS
There are consequences to choosing to turn to idols.
Why should you worship idols when even those idols bow down to God.
Psalms 97:7 Even idols bow down before God.
Isaiah 44:19-20 No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or understanding to say, “Half of it I used for fuel; I even baked bread over its coals, I roasted meat and I ate.
Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?”
Paul warns us against worshiping idols.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry
1 Corinthians 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
Those who worship idols are named as nothing and their ways worthless according to the book of Isaiah.
Isaiah 44:9 All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.
Ezekiel 20:18-21 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols: I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; … Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them …
They will not be forgiven
When we worship idols, we are openly disobeying God’s Word, for it is one of the Ten Commandments He gave us.
James 2:10 (KJV) For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Isaiah 2:8-9 their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made: and the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself: therefore forgive them not.
They profit Nothing
Isaiah 44:10 Who shapes a god and casts an idol,which can profit nothing?
They shall not enter heaven
From the previous serious we laernt that the second death is very grave and those who die the second death, die forever. John the Revelator reveals that idolators among other vices will face this death instead of entering heaven.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death
Separation from God
Turning to idols breaks our relationship with God.
Exodus 20:5for 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.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God…
Spiritual blindness and deception
Idolatry clouds the mind and heart, making people blind to truth.
2 Corinthians 4:4 …the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not…
Ezekiel 14:6 Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations…
Shame and humiliation
Those who trust in idols are ultimately disappointed.
Jeremiah 10:8 (KJV): “They are vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.”
Habakkuk 2:18–19 What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it…
Discipline and judgment from God
Idolatry invites God’s punishment.
Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord… all these curses shall come upon thee…
Psalm 115:8 …they that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
Spiritual poverty and emptiness
Idols cannot give eternal life or true satisfaction.
Romans 1:21–23…they became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools…
Psalm 16:4…their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god…
Loss of blessings and favor
Idolatry cuts off God’s protection and provision.
1 Samuel 15:23…rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Jeremiah 2:13 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.
EXAMPLES OF IDOL WORSHIP IN THE BIBLE
Old Testament Examples of Idol Worship
The Golden Calf at Mount Sinai
Exodus 32:4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
Israel Worshipping Baal of Peor
Numbers 25:2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
Gideon’s Ephod Becomes an Idol
Judges 8:27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
Solomon Turning to Idols
1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
Jeroboam and the Two Golden Calves
1 Kings 12:28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
New Testament Examples of Idol Worship
Paul at Athens – Idols Everywhere
Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
Demetrius and the Idol of Diana (Artemis)
Acts 19:26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands.
Romans Condemned Idol Worship
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Corinthians and the Warning Against Idols
1 Corinthians 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Galatians Rebuked for Idolatry
Galatians 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT IDOL WORSHIP
Is obeying equal to worshiping?
That the Commandment is a thing of the past.
Is that so?
Idols have power on their own.
Objects or images have no power; only God has power.
Isaiah 44:9–10 They that make a graven image are all of them vanity… they have no breath in them.
Psalm 115:4–8 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands… they have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not.
Idols bring luck or fortune.
Relying on objects for blessings replaces trust in God.
Jeremiah 10:3–5 For the customs of the people are vain… they are altogether brutish and foolish.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Idolatry is only about physical statues.
Anything that takes God’s place in the heart can become an idol.
Colossians 3:5 …covetousness, which is idolatry.
Ezekiel 14:3 These men have set up their idols in their heart.
Worshiping idols is harmless if done culturally or traditionally.
Even cultural or traditional idol worship is disobedience to God.
Exodus 20:4–5 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image… thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.
Deuteronomy 12:30–31 Thou shalt not inquire after their gods… for every abominable thing which the Lord hateth have they done unto their gods.
Idols represent God, so worshiping them is okay.
God cannot be represented by any object.
Isaiah 40:18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Acts 17:29 …we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone…
Idolatry is only in the Old Testament times.
Idolatry still exists today in subtle forms.
1 John 2:15–16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world… is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Romans 1:25 …changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator.
It’s just a matter of personal choice.
Idol worship is a serious offense against God.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
HOW TO REMOVE IDOLS
Confess – Admit it before God
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Repent – Turn away and put God first
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Replace – Fill that space with prayer, Scripture, and godly service
Colossians 3:16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Rely on the Spirit – Ask for the Spirit’s strength to resist
Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Renew Daily – Continually examine your heart
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
FINAL WORD
In the past, when you did not know God, your ignorance was forgiven. But now that you know Him, turn away from all forms of idol worship.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
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Min predikan om att inte döma, från Ulricehamns kyrka igår
En kung som väger sanningen på våg
Här är predikan jag höll i Ulricehamns kyrka igår, på fjärde söndagen efter trefaldighet utifrån Jesus ord om att inte döma och att vi lätt ser flisan i vår nästas öga men inte bjälken i vårt eget. Det var några som sa att den var bra så jag hoppas den är till glädje för dig också!
Jag, familjens värsting
En sak som brukade förvåna min fru är att i de berättelser mina föräldrar berättat om när jag var liten så är det jag som är familjens värsting.
Jag skulle säga att det kanske beror på att mina syskon var helt överdrivet snälla så att det mer var i kontrast mot dem i så fall. Men det var i alla fall så att blev det bråk mellan oss syskon så var det mitt fel i regel.
Och när pappa hade skällt på mig gjorde jag ofta som en del barn gör. Jag kom med anklagelser om att det var orättvist och antydde att det var för att mamma och pappa inte tyckte om mig som de alltid anklagade just lilla mig.
Då sa min pappa med stort, kanske tillkämpat, tålamod:
Jag tycker visst om dig men jag tycker inte alltid om det du gör.
Och där har vi i ett nötskal det som är dagens predikan.
Så enkelt skulle jag säga att det är med Guds sätt att se på oss, och med lite modifiering är det en bra riktlinje för hur vi ska se på vår medmänniska.
Svårt i praktiken
Så det är enkelt. Och också så svårt. För som barn var jag ju inte alls nöjd med det svaret, orättvist behandlad som jag tyckte jag var. Och det är jättesvårt för alla människor att skilja på sak och person, det märker man på många sätt.
Det finns ett motsvarande talesätt i kyrkan. ”Att hata synden men älska syndaren”. Det är också en jättebra idé i teorin men den är i praktiken väldigt svår! För så väldigt tydliga är knappast linjerna mellan det vi gör och de vi är.
Det är så lätt att vi drar en snabb linje mellan att någon gör något dåligt, och att de är dåliga. Eller opålitliga eller högfärdiga eller vad det nu är för dom vi fäller över dem.
Gud i gamla testamentet
För att säga något om texten från gamla testamentet så finns det ju en utbredd syn att Gud skulle vara väldigt annorlunda i GT. Att Gud är just dömande.
Men i Hesekiel vi hörde står det att Gud inte alls vill dem något illa. Gud vill inte att någon ska gå under, men de har hamnat på en destruktiv väg. Och de måste vända om från den annars leder den till fördärvet.
Gud beter sig egentligen som min pappa som försökte hindra mig från att ställa till med mer, kan man säga.
Det är inte ett straff i den mening vi ofta föreställer oss. Straffet är som jag ofta förstår det att Gud skulle låta dem hållas. Fortsätta köra allt i botten. Men Gud vill inte det, Gud vill hjälpa dem att vända om innan det går för långt. Det är vad hela profetlitteraturen går ut på.
Jesus talar om att inte döma
Jesus återkommer på många ställen till detta med att inte döma. Anledningen till det är nog helt enkelt att Jesus i ord och handling lär oss hur ett liv präglat av kärlek ser ut.
Och som vi ska se är att döma och att älska oförenligt.
Kärlek är ofta väldigt praktiskt. Det handlar om hur vi handlar mot varandra. Men hur vi handlar mot varandra beror i sin tur på hur vi ser på varandra. Eller hur?
Jesus ser till hjärtat
I Jesus möten med människor märker man ofta hur han ser bortom det som är på ytan.
Fariséerna ser ut att göra allt rätt men under ytan är de självgoda, andra som verkar vara syndare har nära till Guds rike eftersom de är fattiga i anden. De ser sin ofullkomlighet och sitt behov av nåd.
I den berömda liknelsen är det samariern som får bli exemplet på barmhärtighet medan prästen är för fin för att stanna. Det är ofta upp och nervända världen. Och det visar att Gud ser hjärtat.
Synden har djupa rötter i oss men den kan vara svår att komma åt.
Som när vi säger vår syndabekännelse. Jag kommer sällan på något hemskt jag gjort just, så då är väl allt frid och fröjd? Men nog har jag dömt min nästa? Ofta och gärna? De inre hållningarna är alltså mycket svårare att komma åt!
Det är de som är vår stora bjälke i ögat. Den som gör att vi inte ser klart med kärlekens blick.
Vad är det att döma?
Det här budet om att inte döma sin nästa, det kan knappast betyda att man aldrig får kritisera någon? Det står ju faktiskt att man till slut kan få hjälpa sin medmänniska ta bort flisan i sitt öga!
Och Jesus drar sig inte själv för att kritisera eller ifrågasätta det som inte är rätt.
Det är den kärlekslösa blicken det handlar om!
Det som utmärker Jesus är, skulle jag säga, att han säger det han säger och gör det han gör för att hjälpa. Han är otroligt generös och förlåtande mot de som redan är förkrossade, han är tuff mot andra.
Men han vill hela tiden varje människas bästa. Det kärlekslösa finns inte hos honom.
Att inte förakta eller vilja illa
Att inte döma är, som jag tror Jesus menar det, att inte döma ut någon.
Att inte fullständigt avfärda någon som ett hopplöst fall som vi helst kunde helt vara utan.
Att inte förakta någon enda.
Att bevara blicken på medmänniskan som Guds älskade.
Det är att inte vilja någon illa. Precis som Gud inte vill någon illa.
Och det är jättesvårt. Det är inte alltid vi vill vilja andra väl. Vi vill ofta vilja andra illa.
Om vi har ovänner så vill vi gärna att det ska gå dåligt för dem. Vi kanske inte gör något för att vålla dem något men domen över dem i hjärtat den har vi. Där sitter en rot till synden i oss.
Hur ska man sluta döma?
Hur ska man då kunna sluta döma och istället älska sin nästa?
För att lyckas med det skulle vi i princip behöva vara Jesus, och det kan vi ju inte. Så vi får vara realistiska och se att vi bara kan vara så kärleksfulla med Guds hjälp. Kanske bara i ett ögonblick i taget. Men i så fall är det ett heligt ögonblick.
Man kan nog ändå med tiden bli mindre benägen att döma.
Jag har ett citat här av Tommy Hellsten, teolog och terapeut från Finland. Han menar att det handlar om självkännedom, att bli medveten om sig själv.
En medveten människa ser det ofullständiga och onda i sina medmänniskor men föraktar dem aldrig.
Hon har själv fått så mycket förlåtet att hon blivit av med också det resterande behovet av att döma andra.
Behovet att döma försvinner när vi ser samma egenskap i oss själva som vi vill döma andra för.
Det där med att vara medveten om sig själv och sina egna brister och sitt eget behov av nåd passar bra ihop med det Jesus sagt om att ha en egen bjälke i ögat som man ska få syn på, eller hur?
Paradoxalt nog är vi mer fast i oss själva ju mindre medvetna vi är om oss själva. Den som känner sina egna fel blir mindre sugen för den domen är ju samtidigt en dom över mig själv eftersom jag är likadan.
Att inte döma sig själv
Hur hård ska man vara mot sig själv?
Många av oss ser på oss själva ännu mer än på andra med en kärlekslös och dömande blick. Och jag sade ju just att man måste bli medveten om sina egna fel, vad innebär det?
I idealläget borde man skilja på sak och person vad gäller en själv också. Hata synden men älska syndaren även när det gäller en själv.
Se det som att jag är en som brister och handlat illa, dömer mina medmänniskor och tycker det är alltför roligt att göra det, men att jag ändå är en som Gud älskar och som därför ska mötas med kärlek och respekt. Även av mig själv.
Självföraktet är inte någon positiv kraft till förändring direkt, eller hur?
Jag är övertygad om att det är den älskade människan som vågar och vill se sina egna fel. För den utdömda blir det för hotfullt att göra det.
Som vanligt är svaret på allting i den kristna tron, att vi behöver Guds villkorslösa godhet. Vi som tror att Jesus dog för oss medan vi ännu var syndare.
Vi kan vara barmhärtiga sedan vi upptäckt Guds barmhärtighet mot oss.
Att be för sina fiender
Kort sagt tror jag att vägen mot att inte döma ut andra för det första är att inse att vi inte har rätt till det. Vi får inte förakta såna som Gud älskar. Det är att leka Gud.
För det andra behöver vi själva möta en kärleksfull blick.
För det tredje får vi öva oss i att göra gott mot de vi inte tycker om, försöka tänka gott om dem.
Jag tror att den bästa vägen vi har till det är att be för dem vi har svårt för.
Det är svårt att be för någon och döma dem samtidigt. Det är som att vi får syn på våra egna tankar då och förstår att de inte riktigt är i linje med Jesus tankar.
Ni kan ju fundera lite på vilka ni verkligen inte vill be för, för att ni inte vill att det ska gå bra för dem. Så får vi öva oss på såna personer både ni och jag.
Men vi kommer inte lyckas av egen kraft. Synden i hjärtat har vi att dras med hela livet här.
Ord Gud kunde säga om oss
Då får det vara en tröst att orden min pappa sa inte bara är ett motto för hur vi ska bemöta våra medmänniskor. Det är också ord Gud skulle kunna säga till oss i vår kamp för att leva kärleksfullt:
Jag kanske inte alltid tycker om det du gör, men jag tycker visst om dig.
Sverige kan få nytt ID-kort – alla andra leg slopas
Justitiedepartementet har lagt fram ett förslag om ett nytt ID-kort, som ska ersätta de olika legen som finns idag
I dag finns flera olika id-handlingar i Sverige: nationellt id-kort, Skatteverkets id-kort och SIS-märkta id-kort utfärdade av banker eller statliga myndigheter.
För att minska risken för brottslighet som bygger på falska id-kort, motverka bedrägerier och identitetsmissbruk har Justitiedepartementet lagt fram ett förslag om att det framöver endast ska finnas ett identitetskort i Sverige.
Kortet ska ersätta de olika legitimationer som finns i dag och ska endast få utfördas av staten. Förslaget föreslås träda i kraft 1 september 2029.
Förslag om nytt ID-kort
Förslaget "Ett statligt identitetskort" innebär:
- ett nytt statligt identitetskort
- en ny pass- och identitetskortsdatalag
- att Polismyndigheten ska föra ett pass- och identitetskortsregister med bland annat ansiktsbilder och uppgifter om utfärdade pass, statliga identitetskort och statliga e-legitimationer
- att Polismyndigheten vid utredningar av vissa allvarliga brott ska få göra biometriska jämförelser av ansiktsbilder mot ansiktsbilder i pass- och identitetskortsregistret.
Källa: Justitiedepartementet
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