“For any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel, who separates himself from me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to a prophet to consult me through him, I the Lord will answer him myself. And I will set my face against that man; I will make him a sign and a byword and cut him off from the midst of my people, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” – Ezekiel 14:7-8
What is an idol of the heart? Anything that has replaced God as #1 in your heart. Anything you love or trust more than God. Anything that gives you greater comfort or meaning than God’s presence and love in your life. Anything you pursue with greater passion than you pursue God. Anything you let define you more than God’s love and image in your life. Anything that has greater influence on your emotions than God does. Anything you trust more than God and His Word. Anything you fear losing more than His favor.
Do God’s people continue to struggle with taking idols into our hearts? Absolutely! It often happens without our noticing and yet, it’s very common. Many Christians today are far more captured and captivated by politics, entertainment, money, sports, career, family, safety, health, status, accomplishments, or comfort than they are by Jesus. Most don’t realize it because it happens bit by bit when they aren’t paying attention. They’re still in church on weekends loving Jesus but even there, their thoughts are distracted by what truly rules their lives.
Have you been captured by a heart idol? Before you say, “No” spend some time thinking and praying carefully about the question. What drives your emotional life? Is it God or something else? When you’re at peace and full of happiness, where does that peace and happiness come from? God or something else? If you’re angry, what makes you so angry? If you’re afraid, what are you afraid of when God is on your side? What consumes the bulk of your time and treasure? Is your life focused on following Jesus or chasing something else? Is your day made or ruined by the outcome of a game, events at work, or the swirling currents of politics?
The answers to these questions may reveal that something else has come to have more influence, priority, or control over your heart than King Jesus. Recognize that. Admit that. Confess that to God. Ask Jesus to once again be king of your heart. #FollowJesus