If someone were to come right out and ask you if you had any idols in your life, your first response would probably be “No, of course not.” But taking a closer look at things, you may find there are things in your life that you put in the place of God. By definition, an idol is described as
“an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship”. In some cases, we put our faith in physical items to “ward off evil” or “bring protection”, but the idols in our life don’t necessarily take on the form of a statue. Idols in our life may be security, being loved, success, finances, social status, or control. A secondary definition of an idol is, “a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.” An idol is anything we give greater importance than God. These idols can be “good things” that have been prioritized or elevated above God. This can be your children, your job, a leader, busyness, social media, even food, what we wear, what we drive, and where we live. It can be our pastor, that person you listen to on that podcast, a personal goal or your favorite sports team. Now, none of these things in and of themselves are inherently bad. But when we put them in a place of honor above the Lord, that’s when it becomes an idol. We trust in our job to be our provider and our paycheck becomes our security. We trust in a spouse or our children to fill us with the love we should be seeking from God. We feel important because of the role we have secured instead of our identity being in who Christ calls us to be. Colossians 3:5 says covetousness is idolatry. So how do you know if you have made something an idol in your life? Spend time with the Holy Spirit to take inventory of your heart.
Listening Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight anything that has taken precedence over the Lord in how you spend your time, what occupies your thoughts, or how you invest your resources. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if you have any relationships that have become elevated over him. Write down what you hear.
Heavenly Father, I confess that there are areas in my life that I have made an idol over you. Thank you, that in your kindness, you have allowed me to see where I have misplaced my priorities and put my hope, trust, and attention in things that are not you. I confess that I have not trusted you to meet my needs or the needs of those I love and have put my trust and security elsewhere. Forgive me, Father, for making _____________ my idol. I give this back to you. In the name of Jesus, I renounce all idolatry and I take back any ground I gave to the enemy. Holy Spirit, I ask you to renew my mind and help me to put you above all things. I choose by my own free will to put my trust in you and put you first in my life. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. Amen.
Listening Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to reprioritize things in a way that puts God first. Ask the Holy Spirit if there’s anything else you need to purge during the fast. Write down what you hear.
Resource: Bible Verses on Idolatry
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 19:19-21)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 19:33)
Worship Songs:
“Nothing Else” by Cody Carnes
“O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Music
“Build My Life” by Pat Berrett