We are going through a long series at church called "Idols of the Heart". I have been studying up on Idolatry for the past few years since I first saw idolatry in my own life. I like the way this series get's into the details.--An IDOL= Anything or anyone that begins to capture our hearts and minds and affections more than God. Idolatry is living on substitutes. It's exchanging God, the source of life and joy, for a counterfeit.--Idolatry is rooted in the desires of our hearts. We all know that idolatry is mentioned in the Old Testament, but we do not see it spoken of much in the New Testament. The words that are used instead of idolatry in the New Testament are "desires" or "lusts" - any desire that's strong enough to motivate behavior.Idolatry is a shallow substitute for Christ. -----------------Identifying Personal ‘Idols’"Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life" Prov. 4:23"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psa. 139:23-24Questions to ask yourself as you search your own heart:1. What do you feel like doing? Do you want what you want, or do you want Christ’s lordship over your life?2. Where do you look for security, meaning, happiness, fulfillment, joy, or comfort? Where you do put your ‘basic trust’?3. What do you fear? What do you tend to worry about?4. What do you love and hate most of all?5. How do you define success or failure in a particular situation?6. What image do you have of who you are? Ought to be or want to be?7. What do you see as your ‘rights’?8. When you are pressured or tense, where do you turn? What do you think about?+++As you go over the following list ask yourself this:1. Am I willing to sin to get this?2. Am I willing to sin if I think I’m going to lose this?3. Do I turn to this as a ‘Refuge’ and comfort instead of going to God?What issues do you think might be current or potential ‘idols’ in your life? Performance – especially for significant others – you try to please to get or to keep acceptance or approval. Example: for parents or spouse. When you please man rather than God, this is idolatry. If that is the case, then you are worshipping that person more than God. Fearful of what others think rather than obeying God – this is a problem.Performance for Self (Perfectionism) – trying to perform up to our own standards that we have set. Can become a Pharisee. When I meet the standard, I feel good; when I don’t I feel bad. Making a personal list for myself to follow that is higher than what God says. Performance of Others – I make a list of what others should do. Example: For my spouse to be a good husband / wife he / she must do… (1,2,3, etc.). If he/she doesn’t do these things, I become judgmental and unloving. Good Health – My goal shouldn’t be this, but to glorify God. It’s OK to pray for healing but don’t let getting healed become an idol. God may want you to be sick in order to glorify Himself (see John 9). Love of Money – I take a promotion just to get more moneySuccess – What’s a good day to you? Answering this question helps to reveal idols of the heart. What made it a good day in your mind? Usually it’s "I got a lot accomplished / done." Or "I pleased significant others. " Or "I got my way… Others did for me what I want them to do." Etc. Fairness - Life has to be fair! (Psalm 73) "I’ve been trying to please God; these others aren’t even trying and they prosper." This can cause you to almost forsake the faith (Psa. 73:2).Hurt-Free / Pain-Free Life – I don’t want to deal with problems. There shouldn’t be any difficulties. I shouldn’t have to go through anything unsettling… because I want peace.Christian Marriage and Home – I’ll be successful if my children turn out right. That can become an idol. Or I want people to look at our marriage and think we have the best marriage in the world. I cannot serve God and have joy until my spouse changes and starts doing _________ . Physical AppearanceBeing respected / AdmiredBeing self-sufficient / IndependentA Material Thing – car, house, jewelry, etc.Athletic Abilities / AchievementsHobbies ~ sports, reading, whatever An Ideal ("Pro-life movement, "Peace Movement," political party, etc.) Being Treated FairlySuccess / Position / Power Worldly Pleasures (drugs, alcohol, food, sex, etc)Being in ControlMeeting Goals / AchievementsA Child or ChildrenGetting Married Having Your 'Needs' MetOther? __________________________________________"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs." Jonah 2:8 (NIV)
