I heard a preacher on TV say the other day that America is filled with idols, and that most Americans are idol-worshippers. I didn't hear the whole program, but what do you suppose he meant? We don't worship idols like people did thousands of years ago. — A.L.M.

No, today we may not worship the same idols people did in ancient times -- idols of wood or stone or gold representing pagan deities. Because they are only made by humans, the Bible says, "They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless" (1 Samuel 12:21).

But anything can become an "idol" to us -- that is, something we put in place of God. Some people, for example, make material success and the pursuit of money their goal in life -- and they worship them with just as much devotion as someone might an idol made of stone. Others make beauty or prestige their goal -- and these become "idols" because they put them first in their lives. Still others pursue entertainment or sexual thrills or drugs or alcohol -- and these become their "idols."

But every one of these will disappoint us because -- like idols made of stone or wood or gold -- they have no power to meet our deepest needs. We need forgiveness, but they can't take away our guilt. We need hope for the future, but they have nothing to offer us. Most of all, we need God, but they will lead us away from Him if we put our trust in them.

Have you allowed any "idol" to creep into your life? Be honest and face it, and then turn from it. Then by faith give yourself to Jesus Christ, for He alone is worthy of your worship -- and your life.