Deuteronomy 12-13

“Break down their altars ...You must not worship the Lord your God in their way” (12:3-4). The Israelites were warned not to copy the worship of the pagan peoples living in Canaan, “because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates” (12:31). Idol worship led to sexual immorality, unrestrained greed, and the abuse of vulnerable people like women, foreigners, and children (12:31). Moses said that even if an Israelite prophet encouraged them to adopt these ways (13:1), the people should not listen.

“It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere (13:4). We resist the modern idols of greed, violence, and sexual immorality by revering Christ in worship and following him in daily life.