Idols of the Heart

Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. (Ezekiel 14:3 NIV)

By definition, an idol is anything regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion. In Exodus, God is very clear that we are to put nothing before him; no idol in the form of anything. Jesus said we are to love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and minds.

Most of us would not form an idol of materials and worship it with adoration and devotion. But what about our hearts? What things in our lives do we regard with adoration and devotion? For each of us it will be something different. For some, sports and entertainment may have become a form of idol worship, coming before their worship of God. For others it may be money, material things, or family. But what about deep in our hearts? Are there things we put before reading and studying God’s word? Have we replaced a consistent prayer life with the busyness that often consumes us? Sometimes it is the “little” things that become idols in our hearts keeping us away from a close relationship with our Lord.

In Ezekiel 14:8, God tells Ezekiel what he will do with the person who sets up idols in his heart, "I will set my face against that man and make him an example and a byword. I will cut him off from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord." (NIV)

We need to search our hearts and demolish any idols established there. God will not be mocked. —Sharon Dow