14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
-1 Corinthians 10:14-17
An idol is anything that takes the place of God in our lives. It could be anything! It could be a relationship, a sport, a video game, whatever. Oftentimes an idol can appear innocuous because it doesn’t “look” evil. For example: enjoying playing tennis is neither good nor bad. But if you elevate tennis in your heart above God, then it becomes an idol.
Pastor Tim Keller puts it in this way—idolatry is mis-ordered loves. It’s when you order other things higher than your love for God.
The Apostle Paul here warns us of idolatry then starts talking about Communion. Communion is when Christians eat of the bread and drink of the cup at church with other Christians. It’s a sacrament (ritual) that reminds us that Jesus died on the Cross for our sins.
Why would Paul connect idolatry to Communion? It’s because when we place other things or people above God, we are dishonoring what Jesus has done for us. When we play with idols or with sin, it’s like a slap in the face to Jesus.
The famous pastor and theologian said this:
“If Christ has died for me, I cannot trifle with the evil that killed my best Friend.”
Are you trifling with the evil that killed your best friend?
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