Removing Idols

 

    To partake in the Lord's Supper you should examine your heart, confess sins, and remove all known idols.  It is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice, focus on your relationship, and prepare for what is to come.  You can't move forward if idols are holding you back.  God can't have your whole heart if you give any of it to anything else.  You can love people, but do not put them before God.

    Idols are stumbling blocks because they are your first love.  It could a thing, attitude, something that takes your time, or a relationship.  If you are not intentional about keeping Jesus first, then your idols will come between you and God.  The first commandment is to keep God first.  It was placed first for a reason.  If you don't, then you can't keep any of the other commandments.

    Idols are a reason why churches have so many issues.  The love of money, worldly mentality, and glamour get in the church and the church starts looking like the world.  It can be difficult not to become materialistic because of ideals, advertising, and social media makes it look like everyone has more than you or a better life.  The world equates materialism to success and a good life.  God never did.  Your have to be walking close to Jesus not to get distracted.

    When you discover idols in your heart, then you need to confess it as a sin.  Ask God to reveal your idols, then ask for His help to remove them.  For an example is food is an idol, you can't just stop eating.  You have to find a way to put the value of food in it's proper place.  If it is a relationship, then you don't need to destroy the relationship.  You need to put God in the center.

    Idols make you impure just like all sins.  If your idol is a thing, then remove it all together.  For an example internet.  You can turn off your internet for a season or remove the computer from your home.  If it is an object you can destroy it.  If statues, art, religious artifacts are an idol, then you can destroy them so they never hurt anyone else.  If a hobby becomes an idol, then you can stop until you are made right with God again.  It is important to periodically do an evaluation and cleans your home and life.  

    It is okay to have nice and fancy things in life.  The point is to make sure they do not come before God.  If you live a certain lifestyle to impress other people, then you may want to consider a few changes.  It is better to live a simpler life and be close to God, than have everything you want without Him.  If you are struggling to give up something, then that particular idol has a strong hold.  

    You will need the help of the Holy Spirit to remove it.  Ask God to reveal the truth and if it is an idol, then ask Him to remove the desire for it from your heart.  When it comes to idols you need to ask for discernment.  You need to know what is important in your life and why.  Some things that hold value are not necessarily an idol.  You need the Holy Spirit to help you see the truth.  The most important thing is that you are willing to sacrifice anything for your relationship with God.

Genesis 22:1-18, 35:2-5, Exodus 34:12-14, Deuteronomy 12:2-3, 30:17-18, Ezekiel 14:1-5, Matthew 6:24, 22:37-40, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, 11:27-32, 1 John 2:15-17, 5:21, & Revelations 2:4-16