The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel wrote, “These men have set up idols in their hearts.” (Ex. 14:3) I would suggest that those words written thousands of years ago could easily apply to us. Though we may not bow to idols of stone or wood, the issue of idolatry is no less real now than it was in Ezekiel’s day. 

As we begin this series, we’re going to consider some fundamental questions: 

• What is idolatry?
• How do I know what my potential idols are?
• Why does the Bible make such a big deal about idolatry?

Let’s start with “what is idolatry?”

An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your attention and affection more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.

An idol has such a controlling position in your heart that you can spend most of your passion and energy, your emotional and financial resources, on it without a second thought.  An idol is anything so central or essential to your life that, should you lose it, your life would hardly be worth living.  

The question isn’t IF we have an idol problem. That’s a given. The question is, “Which idol is God’s biggest rival in my life?” Some potential idols might be: 

• Money 
• Success
• Attractiveness
• Relationships
• Children
• Pleasure
• Career
• Church

So, how do I know what my idol threat is? These questions might reveal it. 

• Which of these do I find myself thinking about the most? 
• Which one of those do you most fear losing or feel like life might not be worth living without it?
• Which one of these idols most gives me a sense of identity?
• Which of these do I look to most to make me feel secure?
• Which one of these do my efforts and resources most tend to revolve around?
• Which one of those would other people who know me well say is my most threatening idol?

The Ten Commandments begin with a warning against worshiping any gods other than Yaweh. Why? Because it’s the key to all other issues. You never break any of the other commands without first breaking the first one.

Why does God hate idolatry so much? He hates it not simply because it robs Him of the honor and worship and adoration He deserves, but God hates it because of what it does to us.

See, the counterfeit gods have not gone away. They have just changed clothes. They still promise much and fail to deliver. They still get us to sacrifice our lives to them without coming through for us.  And that’s why God hates them so much.  They destroy His children. 

Text: Ezekiel 14:3; Exodus 20:1-3

Originally recorded on November 14, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN