Life immediately gets out of order when we forget to seek God first or when we begin seeking other things above Him. Left to our own devices, our hearts have a natural inclination toward particular priorities, other than God. This is the language around idolatry the Bible is talking about – we want to help you identify what some of those natural tendencies are for you.
Tim Keller in “Counterfit Gods” defines an idol as “anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.” As we spend time throughout this series learning what idols are and how God feels about them, a temptation within all of us is to think we don’t have that “struggle”. Through exploring our hearts, it’s more than likely we will fine that we’re worshipping something or someone above God.
There have been countless tools and resources created to help people identify idols in their lives. We’ve curated a tool from Pastor Tim Keller’s book “Gospel in Life” that we believe could help you identify the idols in your life so that you can begin to find freedom from them.
Idols can be identified by asking yourself a few simple questions like “What are the pain points in my life?” or getting honest about this phrase “My life only has meaning if…” or “I only have worth if…” Read through the following scenarios and prayerfully and honestly note any of the scenarios that you feel you relate to:
I have influence or power over others (POWER)
I am loved and respected by others or a specific person (APPROVAL)
I have control over my life in a specific area (CONTROL)
I feel needed by people (POWER)
Someone is there to protect me (COMFORT)
I am free to do what I want when I want (COMFORT)
I am highly productive (CONTROL)
I am being recognized for my accomplishments (APPROVAL)
I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom or nice things (COMFORT)
I feel like I am doing enough to make God happy (CONTROL)
My race or culture is recognized as superior (POWER)
I am a part of a particular social group (APPROVAL)
My family or parents are happy with me (APPROVAL)
Mr. or Mrs. right is in love with me (COMFORT)
The political or social cause I support is doing well (POWER)
I have a particular kind of appearance or body image (CONTROL)
First, read through which surface idols you noted above and look for a common theme. Then read through the four source idols below and see if that theme fits.
Power
The power idol is motivated by success, influence and winning. The biggest fear of someone who struggles with the power idol is humiliation. They feel the burden of responsibility in order to fuel their influence. The common emotion of the power idol is anger and they can often leave the people around them feeling used.
APPROVAL
The approval idol is motivated by love and respect and seeks affirmation. The greatest fear of someone who struggles with the approval idol is rejection. The common emotion of the approval idol is cowardice and they often leave the people around them feeling smothered.
Comfort
The comfort idol is motivated by privacy, lack of stress and freedom. The greatest fear of someone who struggles with the comfort idol is stress or demands. The common emotion of the comfort idol is boredom attached to laziness and they often leave the people around them feeling neglected.
Control
The control idol is motivated by self-discipline, certainty and standards. The greatest fear of someone who struggles with the comfort idol is uncertainty. The common emotion of the comfort idol is worry and they often leave the people around them feeling condemned.
There may be one or two common themes in your surface idols that can be found in the source idols. These idols and these descriptors are not finite, and this tool is not foolproof. It’s meant to be an aid to you as you prayerfully consider what idols you struggle with because the truth is, we ALL have idols.
Knowing you have idols is only half the solution. Once you’re idols have been identified there are a few simple but courageous steps we have to walk through in order to walk in the freedom God has for us.
What to do with your idols:
1. Name your idol(s) out loud.
2. Confess your heart’s dependence on your idol(s) to God and someone else.
3. Turn away from the idol(s) in your life.
4. Rejoice, or take joy in, the absolute certainty of Jesus’ mastery of your life.
5. Ask God for the grace to replace your idol(s) with a renewed passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul encourages the church in Thessalonica in how they have overcome the idols they once worshipped by saying “They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath” (1:9-10).
When it comes to your specific source idols, try writing some of the below promises from Scripture down somewhere that you will see every day as a reminder that by the power of the Holy Spirit in you that you are free from that idol.
Power
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
Application:
Actively choose humility. This message from our WonderUs series with Annie F. Downs is a great resource about humility.
Intentionally look for ways to serve the people around you. Local Good is a great place to start.
APPROVAL
Promise:
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Proverbs 29:25
Application:
Pause and remind yourself that you have already been chosen and accepted by Christ. Practice speaking up and sharing your genuine opinion when asked to make a decision or contribute. Take a risk by revealing what you really think or believe
Comfort
Promise:
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Application:
Before you make a purchase, invite God to speak to you. Ask yourself: “What does diligence & intentionality look like in this situation?” Practice allowing yourself to be interrupted. Take someone’s grocery cart back for them or say yes to a friend who needs to talk.
Control
Promise:
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18
Application:
Practice small acts of spontaneity. Allow others to help with the things that you feel only you can do. Let your spouseto complete ‘your’ chores, allow an intern to complete ‘your’ task, allow your kids to help cook dinner.
It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit and the gift of grace that we can overcome the idols in our lives. God isn’t asking us to strive our way into overcoming idols, He’s just asking for our full hearts, to fully receive the gift of grace and mercy He died for us to receive. We hope that this page has helped you do just that.
Looking for other resources related to overcoming idols in your life?
Here’s what we recommend:
Gods At War
Counterfeit Gods