One of my favorite Bible stories occurs in 1 Samuel 5:2-4. The Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and placed it in their temple alongside their god, Dagon. I devised a children’s song to the tune of “Farmer in the Dell” to describe the outcome of this ill-fated plan.

Dagon fell on his face
Dagon fell on his face
An idol cannot stand with God
Dagon fell on his face

His head and hands broke off
His head and hands broke off
An idol cannot see or save
His head and hands broke off

Only God can save
Only God can save
So call upon the Lord, our rock
Only God can save

1 Peter 1:14-5 instructs us, “Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, be holy in all your conduct.” Like those foolish pagans who put the Ark of the Covenant right next to Dagon, we put our modern day idols alongside the one and only true God. We try to maintain a few of our old habits, pleasures, or ways of thinking in order to enjoy a little of both the world and the holy. Our hearts are divided between wanting to serve humbly like Jesus and desiring just a little bit of recognition or appreciation. Instead of being content, we want another degree or home improvement. Instead of God’s approval, we seek approval through social media. If our confidence is in any help or plan apart from the Him, it will crumble. All gods will topple before our Lord!

P.S. Unfortunately, when the Philistines had to choose who to serve, they sent to Ark of the Covenant away and remained comfortable with Dagon.

Here is Katie’s and my rendition of Dagon 🙂