Today, S. T. and I visited a Hindu temple for the first time. I was anxious about going in with our children who are unsaved. I know the Bible speaks of idols as being inhabited and powered by devils (Deuteronomy 32:17 KJV
They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.) and my first priority after Christ and my husband is the spiritual and physical welfare of my children. I expressed my concern to S.T. and he said, “Babe, we may be going to a WHOLE COUNTRY empowered by these. I think God will Honour our prayers and protect our children.” So we prayed and went in.
I’m not sure what I was expecting. They were very intricate with each pillar and wall outside, all the way up their steeple. Every square inch adorned with pagan deities. We remove our shoes at the top of the stairs outside and continue in.
Going past the doors there was a small foyer that encouraged membership, donations and had multiple signs asking for no photos, videos, and for all phones to be silenced or turned off. We go through the doors and explain to the girls, “we don’t believe in these statues, stay quiet and you can ask questions in the car. Hold our hands.”
The left wall was mostly curtained off, housing chairs, tables, and other supplies for events. There was, however a deity set off to the side that caused me to specifically think of the cartooned “Satan”
Each pillar was ordained with sculptures of deities, they had a 2’ drop down from the ceiling with each of their gods depicted and named and then moving past that, there was a large, life size shrine to different deities along the whole back wall. Rugs were lain out in front of these. Someone had offered a sacrifice of bright oranges sometime before we got there (and poor Joy thought it would be a good snack for herself. She was heartbroken when we left before she could sneak away from me and eat one.) There was a place a bit off to the side for a priest to come up and bless the people coming.
On the right wall was a large alter looking like it was set up for someone to be on it during the garland worship and ceremonies. A little past that, closer to the doors we entered was a small altar with a chimney, obvious for burn offerings and the tucked back in an alcove was a glass box that had small black deities all around it.
I’m not sure whether it’s from all the TV or American culture, but I am shocked and kind of saddened that I am as desensitized to idols as I am. It was more of “Oh, this is weird but interesting.” Once we got back to the car, S.T. made the comment, “I think that’s the first time I’ve seen outright idolatry in the form of idol worship.” It caused me to pause and reflect on the entire experience that lasted less than 20 minutes.
In those twenty minutes, there were about 5 people in there, outside of us, who were seeking the favor of the gods. Each god has a different purpose. One brings rain, one vengance, another fertility, and another peace. I watched as two women, beautifully adorned prayed before these idols. They went to a priest, who was wearing a wrap and asked for blessings. Another woman was “circling” the box in the back, uttering prayers with each step.
What really caught me was the young man going down the line of deities and forming very specific poses that I’ve seen in yoga with a very fluid motion. Some of these were done standing, others he would flow down to laying on his belly and then rising again.
Looking back, through the lenses of the prophets of old, my heart begins to break. I wish I could say that my heart shattered at the thought, but alas, I’m honestly not in the depth of spiritual fellowship with God to the point Jeremiah, Hosea and others were. My heart is sad but after seeing and reflecting, I realize the desensitization of my culture has kept me from being heartbroken over the fact that these people, created in Jehovah God’s image are going to multiple gods for the things they believe their hearts desire.
S.T. And I were talking on the way back to our Airbnb and it really occurred to me how self serving idol worship is. They are serving these gods to call vengance upon those they deep deserving of it, to call down rain, blessings, everything like that. In comparison My God has given me breath and life and HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON and because of the salvation He has given me, I serve Him (imperfectly). They serve a multitude of idols all the while I have a LOVING God who can do all (and so much more than) the jobs each of those 500+ idols can do.
I don’t know, I guess the takeaway and prayer from this experience I want to have is this:
“God, break my heart for those who are worshiping that which is unworthy, both blatant idols and every day items. I want to have a heart that rejoices over that which you love and one that breaks for souls who are lost, searching for something, and on their way straight to the gates of hell. Help me, God, to recognize the subtle idols in my own life and forgive me for the devotion and the trust I place in comfort, money, esteem, and other such things that should be Yours. Amen.”
John 14:6 KJV
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Leviticus 26:1 KJV
Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.
Psalm 96:5 KJV
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Colossians 3:5-7KJV
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: [6] For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: [7] In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
Psalm 135:15-18 KJV
The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. [16] They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; [17] They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. [18] They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them.
John 3:15-18 KJV
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Romans 10:9-13 KJV
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [12] For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
-C. C.
“Ye must be born again” -John 3:7
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