Expert: Dr. Ronald E. Shultz - 5/29/2006

Question
Hi Dr. Shultz

I told you in my last question I am United Baptist.  I was raised in New Brunswick this is the link for the Atlantic-Baptist web site.  You should be able to find the docterinal beliefs there. :)
http://www.baptist-atlantic.ca/about/baptistbelief

To my question.

I have a huge adversion to pray beads, crufixes, statues (idols), the spinning things some Budhist use, etc.  Mum and Dad tought us we serve a risen savior and that it was to easy to transfer your belief in Jesus to the "idol" and  worship the object.  It was suggested to me by a theripist that to help me remeber to count to 10 when anger arises to carry a stone, silver dollar, ect in my pocket.  If I grasp it I will help me stop long enought to count to ten then hopefully I can proceed without as much anger.  I believe in John 3:16 (I cannot rember not knowing that verse).  The silver dollar idea makes since to me but I believe that I should pray to God for the strength to count to ten...not count on a coin to remind me.  If the coin is a reminder to pray and/or count is it an idol?  Good sense tells me I know the difference but how can I explain the coin to a person who is questioning my testimony?  The causing others to stumble and the sin in that delima.  I know God can see and understand my weeknesses but it my fellow man I don't want to lead astray.

Thanks
Ernie

Answer
I suppose that it may be a fine line.  If you asked a priest, he would say that they are not praying to the statute but to the person it represents and the beads are mere aids to faith or prayer. I disagree, as would the Scripture, but that would be their line of reasoning.

My personal thought might be to get a coin or a card made that has Ephesian 4:26 or James 1:19,20 on it. Both might be good. Memorize them but if in the "heat of the battle" you can't remember them then pull out the coin and read it as a means of submitting yourself to God in the issue and claiming His Word as the power to do it. That way they are just biblical references that you are going to in a time of need, which is fine.  You can call it a spiritual 911 kit or First-Aid kit.  

A quick reference sheet or coin is just that, an aid to memory of the verses. No one should stumble over such a thing.  Indeed the Jews put Scriptures on their doorposts, foreheads and wrists as an aid to obedience. I don't believe that we need to return to the law but this coin would be no different than the plaques with verses that adorn many homes.  Your "plaque" is just portable and in this case may even be more meaningful than the ones we end up just having for decoration rather than inspiration after they have hung there for so long.  You can add other memory verses to your quiver but always have these as a backup should your bow break.  ;-)

Thanks for the link!  Keep looking to Christ.  He wants you free of this anger more than you so He will conform you to the image of His Son if you yield and let Him.  Blessings to you!