For most Christians, the word idolatry brings to mind images of carved or molded statues worshipped by people in far-off lands. But idolatry isn’t limited to non-Christian cultures. Other gods may be hiding in believers’ hearts as well. An idol is anything that takes God’s rightful place and wins our allegiance.
Although most of us never overtly abandon the Lord, we may unknowingly dilute our devotion to Him. Satan is the mastermind behind all idolatry, and he rarely tempts us to serve and worship what we’d readily recognize as “other gods.” Instead, he lures us into misplaced affections, interests, an loyalties.
Signs of Idolatry:
- Disobedience and insubordination to the Lord (1 Sam. 15:22-23)
- Greed (Luke 12:15)
- A desire for material wealth (Matt. 6:24)
- Hunger for honor, power, and position (Matt. 23:2-12)
- Being mastered by anything, even by something not inherently bad (1 Cor. 6:12)
- A craving for evil things (1 Cor. 10:6-7)
- Love for the things of this world that temporarily satisfy our lusts and inflate our pride (1 John 2:15-17)
Removing Idolatry:
- Turn back to the Lord in wholehearted loyalty (Ex. 20:1-6)
- Submit all your ambitions and plans to the Lord (James 4:13-15)
- Develop a new value system that consists of heavenly treasures (Matt 6:1-21)
- Learn to be content with what you have (1 Tim. 6:7; Heb. 13:5)
- Adopt a Christlike perspective and mindset (Col. 3:1-5)
- Be aware of temptations, rely on God’s promised protection,and flee idolatry (1 Cor 10:12-14)
- Use Scripture to silence the enticements of the Devil (Matt. 4:8-11)
- Discover in God your true purpose for existence (1 Cor. 8:5-6)
- Find your pleasure and joy in the Lord (Ps. 16:1-11)
Questions for Reflection:
- Has your devotion shifted from the Lord to the good things He has provided? How can you tell if something or someone else has taken first place in your life?
- Who or what dominates your thoughts and affections? Where are you investing your time, attention, and effort?
- What can you do to insure that the Lord receives your complete loyalty?
Reprinted from No Other God: Unmasking Our Hidden Idolatries, In Touch magazine, March 2011, Vol 34 No 3. http://www.intouch.org.
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