With technology on the rise whether for good or bad intent, the war for the hearts of God’s people are challenged today more than ever. Social media, pornography, commercialism, money, food addiction and many other entities are in direct competition with us relating to our creator. Behind these behaviors are feelings fueled by beliefs and lies of the devil which we may have already partnered with. Matthew 15 says, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, other immoral sexual acts, thefts, false testimonies, and slanderous statements. ” When we think about these lies and act upon them repeatedly, they become what is known as idols of the heart, or strongholds which allow us to believe in something other than the truth of God.

While the obsession of food or money can lead to idolatry, merely enjoying the benefits of personal possessions, communicating through social media or investing in future wealth are not necessarily a sin. At the core, idolatry is placing anything or anyone above Jesus. It is indulging in something that takes us away from worship and obedience to God. The underlying belief is that God’s plans for me are not good enough and I need to satisfy my needs my own way. So, the need for pleasure drives us to indulge in sinful habits.

Indeed, God has a plan for us that will likely exceed our expectations. Philippians 4:19 says“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” But, unless we can identify the lie, we will not be able to uproot the idol planted in our hearts. Paul says in Romans 12:2 – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. ” What we consume with our minds can either feed the idol or kill it. The scary thing is, the longer we feed it, the more difficult it may be to willingly ask the Lord to remove it, let alone share with another brother/sister in Christ.

Brothers and Sisters, let’s dig deep to uproot the idols within our hearts and therefore purposefully be enriched with God’s Word, Praying and Meeting together regularly. It may be helpful to begin a journal and write down a list of any specific idols. Next write how the idols are manifesting in your behavior. Then search the Word and write the scripture that speaks truth to the dark. Consider 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

As we renounce these Idols of the Heart, my desire then would be to honor the Lord and for us to eventually pray David’s Psalm (139:23-24), “Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there is any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way.”