Idolatry.

I’ll bet that’s not a word you think about often. It seems archaic – like an Old Testament problem. But what if I told you that idols are everywhere? Even today. And that you might have one or two competing for your attention?

An idol is anything more important to you than God. It’s anything you expect to give you what only God can give. It isn’t just a golden calf or a statue you pray to! It can be your job, a relationship, your bank balance, your kids, your body image – anything!

The trick about idols is that they’re usually good things. But when we make good things into gods, we’re headed in the wrong direction. Only God can satisfy our deepest longings for security, comfort, joy, and validation. Anything else will fall short, with you and me falling hard.

So how do you know what your idol is?

Here are a few questions to help you start digging. Sit with them.

1. What do you daydream about? Where do your thoughts wander when nothing else demands your attention?
2. Is there anything (or anyone) that if lost, would make you think, “I no longer have purpose in living.”
3. Fill in the blank: “If I only had ______________, then I’d be happy.”
4. Where does most of your money go? We spend our money on what we treasure most deeply. As Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
5. What spikes extreme emotions in you? What do you feel extremely anxious about? Extremely angry? Extremely guilty?

So, what is it?

What, in your life, is competing with God for your attention and affection?

Join us for this sermon series, In Gods We Trust, as we discover the good things we’ve made into gods – and reclaim the One who matters most.