What’s the greatest commandment of God? Matthew 22:37 NKJV says “Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Jesus was quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5. Anything that hinders us from doing exactly that is an idol. Idols are not good because they lead us away from God and down a path leading to death. Idols are not God, therefore, they can not satisfy our longings. Idols have no power except the power to enslave us. They are a trap preventing us from pursuing our relationship with God. What stands in the way of peace with God for you?
- Work-a-holism
- Guilt over your sins
- Watching too much television
- Constant perfectionist tendencies
- Being overwhelmed with worry, anxiety or fear
- Being too legalistic following the letter of the law
- Thoughts and longings for a more intimate marriage
- A hobby your spending extraordinary amount of time on
To overcome idols in our life, we first must identify them. Second, we confess our sins to God and seek His forgiveness and ask for His strength to turn away from the idols. Third, we allow God’s Word to change how we think. Lastly, we ask a godly friend to become an accountability partner.
Where are you struggling today? James 5:16 NKJV says “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Lord we thank you for your spirit who reveals idols in our lives that need to be dealt with and for your strength to turn from idols. May your word renew our minds that we would know your good and perfect will. Help us to be accountable to you through the help of others. In Jesus’ name Amen.
© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.
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