Idols in Our Heart

2 And the word of the LORD came to me saying,

3 "Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity. Should I let Myself be inquired of at all by them?

4 "Therefore speak to them, and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Everyone of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, and puts before him what causes him to stumble into iniquity,

and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him who comes, according to the multitude of his idols,

5 "that I may seize the house of Israel by their heart, because they are all estranged from Me by their idols." '

6 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.

     Ezekiel 14:2-6 (NKJV)

It’s easy to think that we’re not like those involved in pagan religious who worship carved gods. And it’s tempting to think that passages from the Old Testament denouncing the children of Israel for getting caught up in idolatry have no application to us. But they also set up idols in their heart, which is just as bad---and something we are prone to do.

Anything that we allow to take God’s rightful first place in our hearts can be an idol---pride, covetousness, love of self/money/position, etc.  They compromise our devotion and loyalty to the Lord. And whatever worldly thing we give undue priority and attention to will cause us to stumble and sin if not checked. As a result, we can actually become estranged from God because of these idols in our hearts.

I invite you to take inventory.  If there’s anything that’s taking your time, energy, resources or focus from God, heed His advice:  Repent and turn away from your idols.  Put God back as first priority in your heart and be renewed in your walk with Him.