How Idolatry Scoots God Out of the Spotlight

Anything that scoots God out of the spotlight is idolatry in our heart.

We often convince ourselves that our lives and hearts are free of idolatry.

Because we believe and serve the one true God…God Almighty.

And maybe our homes are free of graven images we bow to or worship.

But idols can creep into the sacred spot only meant for the Lord.

So let’s look at how present-day I-D-O-L-S scoot God out of the spotlight in our heart.

I – Identify areas where God is not my focus.

Certain life seasons may cause us to veer off our focus of God as number one in our heart. Like seeking status, money, dreams, goals, things, people, positions, and more. What about an addiction?

But when we pursue unhindered and unadulterated desire and passion for the one true God above anything else in this world, powerful things take place. Idols fall from their pedestals in our heart.

Ask the hard questions in our current season of life. Where am I focused on God? In what ways do I focus on something else? 

D – Depend on God alone. 

Is independence an idol in my life where I’m becoming my own “other god”? Because when I solely depend on my own efforts, plans, power, wisdom, and expertise, God is scooted out of the way.

Idolatry in our life is sometimes seen in our own independence or depending on things, people, position, social status, and more.

Culture tells us to strive for independence. God says, depend on Me.

Culture says we are weak if we need help and we can’t pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. God encourages us to, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

O – Obey the greatest commandment.

“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.’” Matthew 22:36-38 (NIV)

If we love God with all of our being, nothing takes His place in the spotlight. The greatest commandment tears down every idol vying for first place.

Is there anything or anyone I love more than my God?

L – Let God be God.

Sometimes we take on God’s job, desiring control over our lives and running ahead of Him. What if we simply let God do His job as God. If He manages the universe, He can certainly manage my life.

So, we let the Almighty reign over our decisions, circumstances, dreams, and life.

Where am I trying to be God in my life? Am I reigning over any area?

S – See God in all His glory.

When we look at the world and our life through the lens of our God’s greatness and glory, everything else pales in comparison. Scripture shows us God’s magnificence and how His glory remains unmatched. No other thing, person, or god is as glorious as our God.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV)

“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” Isaiah 42:8 (ESV)

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11 (NIV)

Modern Idolatry 

Let’s encourage each other to identify areas of focus, depend on God alone, obey the greatest commandment, let God be God, and see God in all His glory.

And pray Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” (NIV)

Featured photos courtesy of Friday’s Forever on YouTube.

Also see, Oh Look What the Lord Has Done.