Understanding

And now they sin more and more, and have made them molten images of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen: (Hosea 13:2a KJV)

What is it today that we worship? In some instances in today’s world, people still look to craftsmen to create an image of their worshiping focus. Replicas of tribal gods or goddesses are available on shelves to decorate homes. Some are sold as such, others sold as souvenirs of an exotic vacation.

The verse is speaking of specific deities worshipped at the time which Israel took in to replace worshiping the Lord their God. We still do that today – replace worshipping God for something unworthy.

God has lain before us what is due Him:

And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, (Deuteronomy 10:12 KJV)

Do we fear Him because of His power, or because of His love? Do we walk in all his way? Love Him? Serve Him?

This is where being a Christian moves beyond the gift of God’s salvation and becomes a life of service to God, with all our heart and with all our soul.

Do we gather with likeminded believers to worship God?

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: (Romans 15:5 KJV)

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 KJV)

Do we serve Him on what are considered social issues?

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? (Matthew 25:42-44 KJV)

Do we consider lost souls, serving to convert them?

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20 KJV)

It’s a matter of understanding what God has in mind for us. His word is available and He’s told us to:

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5 KJV)

"Understandng" by K. Hatasa, Edupics.com