Talk:The Governments of God and other gods

Isaiah 44:10 - 19 seems to describe idols and images, and this is the way people typically think of 'gods'.

Exodus 22:28 says, "Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.'
In this verse, 'gods' are people, not wooden or stone images as described in Isaiah 44.

The Hebrew word for 'gods' (Elohim, Strongs 430) is in verse 28, but it is also in Exodus 22:20. That Hebrew word indicates a mighty one who is strong and powerful. The world's system of government asks people to sacrifice unto the ruler, but verse 20 prohibits such a sacrifice.

Psalm 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

This seems related to the idea that God's people are a nation of kings and priests. By faith, "ye are gods", and by faith, "all of you are children of the most High". By faith, your duty as kings and priests is that of being lights in the world, being in the world, but not of it. Kings are strong, and they have power (elohim), but as lights, they live under the Sovereign King of the universe (the most High), and in that fashion, they are gods as described in Psalm 82. Such gods should not be reviled (Exodus 22:28). Sadly, some kings pursue selfish lifestyles.

Going deeper in the analysis, it is not too difficult to comprehend that the word 'image' can describe a system having characteristics. For example, as we walk according to the love of God, we have more of His image upon us, which is to say we have more of His character of love in our heart. This should bear forth fruit, so that our hands and feet get involved in loving actions.

An idolatrous image by definition has aspects which do not reflect the character of the Almighty. The world's gods bear forth (at least partially) an image of the world. The gods who are children of the most High bear forth (at least partially, but also intending to do so more perfectly) the image of the most High (the one sovereign God).

James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

The gods of the world are spotted (stained) with a system in their government that is contrary to the system of God, in God's government applied among His people on the earth.

How do you become one of those who are conformed to the righteous image of God?
Does 'practice makes perfect' play a role in forming your good habits in God's kingdom?
Do desires in your heart compel you?
Which desires lead to idolatry, and which lead to worship of the Almighty in heaven?