“What good is an idol carved by man, or a cast image that deceived you? How foolish to trust in your own creation.
What sorrow awaits you who say to wooden idols, ‘Wake up and save us!’
To speechless stone images you say, ‘Rise up and teach us!’ Can an idol tell you what to do? They may be overlaid with gold and silver, but they are lifeless inside.” —Habakkuk 2:19
Idol come in all sizes and shapes. But they share several commonalities. The prophet Habakkuk describes these characteristics as such.
Idols are deceptive. Man imparts the idea and attribute of power to them. But an entity made of human hands is made from flesh, and therefore not a creation of supernatural origin.
Idols cannot save you. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to raise an sos flag? Where you needed to be saved? From an adverse circumstance, relationship, or abuse? Relying on idols constructed by man leads to sorrow and disappointment, not deliverance.
Idols cannot give you wisdom. They cannot tell you what to do, provide advisements, or instruct you in how to live life. Why? Because they are lifeless. Only life can beget life. Only life can bear forth life. Birthing life requires a a platform, a source of life from which to spring and produce life from. A lifeless idol cannot birth new life.
Idols are fake. Externally, they may look attractive and appear valuable on the outside (perhaps covered in gold and silver as Habakkuk describes). But internally, they are empty, lacking life and discernment.
Idols offer an illusion of benefits and capabilities. But the reality is a false pretense of provision and power.
Choose differently. Make choices that are truthful, not deceptive. That in a time of need, will save not abandon. Can offer you wisdom, not lies or silence. That’s real, not fake.
Choose the Real Truth that will help you in real life, to live a wise, true, and real life.