The image of his own god

I was making some notes in the Gospel Library app while reviewing the Doctrine & Covenants chapter one because this verse prompted some thoughts about idolatry.

They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.

D&C 1:16

When idols are mentioned we think of little or large statues, something crafted as to represent God; an object of worship.

We may think that since we do not worship little statues that this doesn’t apply to us. Some people think that mobile phones or other objects are modern idols.

But I think that the core issue of idolatry is actually going through life relying on a manufactured image of God versus a clear witness of his glory.

When our own lack of faith blocks us from that glory we are left to craft our own images of him which are all wholly insufficient at best or a wrested distortion at worst.

As the verse says, just like a physical idol, even the ideological idol’s ‘substance’ will ‘wax old’ or mushroom into a decayed image far worse than the original.

How can a person become like God when they are trying to pattern themselves after a distortion?

The scriptures testify of a being that is far beyond what any words or images in mortality can convey.

There is nothing even remotely close to God in this world. There is no substitute for standing in his glory and presence.

God invites all to receive of his Heavenly Gift without money or price.