Is There an Idol in Your Life?
You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth
Exodus 20:4
An idol can be anything that takes priority over the Lord. When the Lord calls us through the Spirit to serve him, and instead we choose to do something different, then we may have selected an idol over God. This is a spiritual battle we all struggle with, and sometimes we may have an idol because we are blinded by our own justification. If we truly put God first in our lives, and he has changed our hearts, shouldn’t we desire to do the things of God more than things of the world?
In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success (Proverbs 3:6). For a Spirit-filled Christian there is nothing more interesting, more fulfilling, or more exciting, than Bible study, worship, or ministering. If there is anything in this world that is more desirable than God, it could it be an idol! There are many things we enjoy in life, but God comes first. If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters–yes, even their own life–such a person cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26). The word “hate” in this scripture is for comparing our love for family and for our own lives to the love we have for the Lord. When we love God more than anything or anybody, we have more of God’s love to reflect to our family and to the world. If we truly love God with all heart, soul, mind, and strength, shouldn’t this love guide our choices?
God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God (Psalm 53:2). Is there anything in life that we pursue more than God? When we put the Lord first in all things, we live life to the full. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). Christ gives us life to the full, meaning that nothing is missing. There is no life better than life to the full in Christ, and only then are we really able to enjoy the world as God intended. But if we have an idol we are cheating ourselves from life to the full.
Today closely examine your activities and determine if there is an idol in your life. Your day will be filled with worldly tasks, but whatever you do let the Spirit guide your thoughts, words, and actions. If there is an activity such as Bible class, worship service, or prayer breakfast scheduled today, give this activity priority in your schedule. There are valid excuses for missing the activity such as work, travel, illness, or medical appointments; but if you are able to attend the Bible class but choose another activity, then God may consider that other activity as an idol. Satan will tempt us to justify what we consider to be pleasing to God. This process can become a foothold, take root in our hearts, and become more desirable in our lives than serving God.
Let’s Pray: Lord, remove any idols from my heart, anything that I prioritize over serving you. I have only one life to serve you, and I don’t want to place anything in this world above you. Examine my heart and destroy anything that you consider to be an idol. In Jesus name, Amen