Throughout the Old Testament, we read about a false god named Baal. And for some reason or other, Israelites kept turning their backs on God and would worship Baal instead. “How ludicrous!!” you might say. “It’s so obvious that God is the one who provides for and protects His people. Why would anyone replace Him with something man-made?!”
Well, let me tell you a few things about Baal. Baal was sort of like the king of the gods (much like Zeus). Baal was said to be responsible for bringing rain and fertility. He was the guy if you wanted lot crops, or lots of kids, or increased herds, or prosperity. In other words, Baal was associated with having more stuff. Often, the Israelites were not content with what God provided and they would turn to Baal to try get more.
It is also important to note that in the Old Testament, few things kindled the anger of the Lord like idol-worship. Whenever the Bible says “They did what was evil in the sight of the Lord,” usually that means they were worshipping idols.
We may not have chunks of wood or metal laying around that we bow down to, but do we still have a problem with wanting more stuff? In a way, does Baal worship still take place? Are we content with what God has provided or do we want more? More security, more comfort, more pleasure.
God desires for us to be content with what He provides because if we allow our desires to rule us, we will turn to false gods that give false promises. Today, may you tear down any idols that are in your life and praise the one true God for giving you everything you need have life and have it to the fullest.