Idols of the HeartSample

EXAMPLES OF IDOLATRY

· No one encourages me after I have preached a great sermon, done an amazing job at leading worship, or done a fantastic presentation at work. The result is I feel dejected, useless, unloved and devalued. I could be struggling with an idol of the need for approval or the Look-Good idol. The underlying belief is that my identity as a child of God is not good enough and I need something else to boost my self-esteem by seeking the approval of people.

· I lack generosity and do not tithe. The underlying belief is that I need to take care of my finances because I struggle with believing that God can supply all my needs and that He is my provider. I need to stay in control of my life.

· I get into an intimate relationship outside my marriage or am addicted to pornography. The underlying belief is God’s plans for me are not good enough and I need to satisfy my needs in the way I want. So, the need for pleasure and the Feel-Good idol drives me to break my marriage covenant or indulge in sinful habits.

· I had a disagreement with a friend, and I was wrong in what I said and how I said it. I have caused hurt. I try to justify my behaviour and play the blame game. I do not admit I am wrong, nor do I seek forgiveness. Which idol do you think is operating here and what is at the root of it?

Behind these behaviours are feelings and thought patterns that are fueled by conscious or unconscious belief systems that are lies that we are partnering with. These beliefs are lies planted by the devil in our minds. When we think about them and act upon them repeatedly, they become strongholds and idols of the heart because we believe in the lies more than the truth about God.

Unless we can identify the root, which is the belief system, we will not be able to uproot the idol planted in our hearts. Ask the Holy Spirit to shed light on your heart and show you the roots.

REFLECTIONS

· Take your journal, and in one column write down a list of idols you think are in your heart.

· In the second column write down how it is manifesting in your behaviour.

· In the third column write the lie you have believed about God in this area.

· In the fourth column write down scripture that speaks truth into the area.

· Then confess the truth and renounce the lie. As you do this over and over, your mind will be renewed and transformed.