When Good Things Become Gods

How would you describe an idol? What idols have you constructed and what idol(s) do you need to tear down?

Idols don’t have to be “a thing”, they can be emotional, spiritual, mental and buried deep and secretly in our heart and mind.

When King Josiah became king, he was rebuilding the temple and discovered the Holy Scriptures. He had the priest read them. He was heartbroken that the people had built so many idols and that his nation had strayed so far from God.

Josiah didn’t hesitate. “Josiah smashed to pieces the stone pillars they worshiped, and he cut down the Asherah idols. Then he covered the places with human bones.” (2 Kings 23:14 NCV)

He didn’t tolerate the idols. He didn’t sidestep them or make excuses. He destroyed them, fully and forcefully, because anything that stood between God and His people had to go.

We may not have statues in our homes, but that doesn’t mean we’re idol-free. An idol is anything we love, serve, or trust more than God. And they’re sneaky. They hide behind good intentions and everyday habits. They even can be painted with plausible truths.

Idols today can be money, control, comfort, appearance, popularity, or success. They can show up in how attached we are to our phones, how often we scroll through social media, or how much we prioritize sex, food, or work.

We idolize security and fame, even pride. Even our children or some other person can become our idol. Some give their hearts to politics or live for people’s approval. Hobbies, sports, entertainment, and even our own sense of self can quietly take God’s place.

It happens slowly. But when it does, our worship shifts. Our trust moves. Our joy fades as we begin to worship our idol.

Why do we lose our joy? Because nothing but God can satisfy our soul. It’s just true. But boy do we try to find something else to make us happy.

That’s why Scripture is so clear. “You must not have any other gods except me.” (Exodus 20:3 NCV) Paul wrote, “So put all evil things out of your life... worshiping gods is a sin.” (Colossians 3:5 NCV) John warned, “Dear children, keep yourselves away from false gods.” (1 John 5:21 NCV) And Jesus made it personal: “You cannot serve both God and worldly riches.” (Matthew 6:24 NCV)

So how do we know if something’s an idol?

Start with this prayer: “God, examine me and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23 NCV)

God still calls His people to tear down anything that competes with Him. He’s not asking for part of your heart. He wants all of it.

He’s not one option on a crowded shelf, He is the only God worth worshiping.

Why? Because He is the “only” thing that will fill, fulfill, and complete you and me. He’s the only thing that can make you and I whole.

So if there’s something in the way, don’t manage it. Don’t excuse it. Don’t decorate it. Smash it - a and let your heart belong to God again.

GOD, lead us from temptation and deliver us from evil. IJNIP amen ♥️