We need to examine the motivation of our hearts and asking ourselves a few hard questions may be a good starting point:
- What compels us to do the things we do?
- Is it a need to impress others or receive recognition?
- Would we be content to do if there were little thanks, or no reward at the end?
“The approval of others is never a suitable replacement for the Father’s.”
(from “Awaken” by Priscilla Shirer page 60)
We need to fight the temptation to feed our egos or to be prideful.
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us. But to Your name give glory; Because of Your mercy; Because of Your truth.” (Psalm 115:1, NKJV)
“This psalm begins with a bold declaration that all believers are and do is not for their benefit. Rather, it is for God’s name that everything should bring glory. Life does not revolve around man but around God … God’s loyal love is never rescinding but forever strong.”
(Holman Old Testament Commentary, Vol. 12, page 213)
It’s a psalm which reminds us to give God alone the glory He deserves. His kindness towards us, and His truth which stands firm forever, should move us to worship Him alone.
And yet, idols will try to creep into our lives. They may not necessarily be physical idols but if we look deep, we may find they look like:
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our spouses
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our children or grandchildren
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our education
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our positions in work or even in church
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the places in which we live
Idols are insidious – they are tricky, sneaky, present themselves as good when they are anything but. Verse 8 brings insight into the danger of idols:
“And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.” (NLT)
“Who or what are you allowing to shape you?”
(Praise: A Walk Through the Psalms by The Daily Grace Co., page 138)
As our world, country, and society is changing, we need to be careful as to what we absorb. We will become like what we are around.
Our news channels, our political parties and candidates, the programs we watch on TV, the podcasts we listen to – all of these will shape our lives and thinking if we don’t bring it all back to the Gospel.
We need to ask ourselves how do these things align with God’s Word. What does God have to say about what we see unfolding?
“Who or what are you allowing to shape you?”
Ask Him to keep our hearts soft and malleable, filled with His love and peace,
and may we give God alone the glory.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Returning again and again to ask ourselves “why” is such a critical part of spirituality. Two people can do the same thing, yet for one person it’s healthy and for the second it’s not. May we each continue to examine our hearts and replace our ego with Love.
It is so true, Lisa, how we each can answer so differently. And even on different days, our own responses can be askew. I fear an examination of our hearts is needed more often than we realize.
I agree idols can sneak in so easily. Our hearts are so wayward, our focus easily slides everywhere but where it’s supposed to be. May we continually adjust our focus and motives on pleasing and glorifying God, not self.
I like how you said “our focus easily slides elsewhere.” It’s our peripheral vision that can get us into trouble. We need blinders like horses to keep our focus straight ahead and on the Lord.
Such a wise question Joanne that we need to constantly ask ourselves;
“… how do these things align with God’s Word. What does God have to say about what we see unfolding?”
Blessings, Jennifer
I’m asking myself this question more and more every day. It’s made such a difference in my life. I always appreciate your thoughts, Jennifer.
It is so important to examine our hearts to see if we are “in the faith” and walking in love and purity, Joanne.
Truly.
Our motives and our idols are so linked. May we trust and worship God as our true and trustworthy love!
❤️
Such a timely post, Joanne. I just listened to a podcast yesterday about comparison and was reminded again how easily we can turn fitting in and the approval of others and even good desires into idols–anything that becomes more important to us than God. It’s a sobering thought, for sure. Hugs, friend.
We need a constant reminder. And yes, even good desires can lead us askew.
Wow. Who would we be if we answered those questions right at the top honestly … with an intention for a change of heart and mind. Only the Lord can do that kind of work. So grateful He doesn’t give up on us.
Oh Joanne, your words ring so true and are such a needed reminder to keep my focus on the One who leads me always!
Joanne, this is so good and something we need to keep reminding ourselves. It’s easy to let idols creep in if we are not making God the center of our focus, spending time daily in His Word and praying. Thank you for reminding us of the importance of giving Him the glory. Blessings to you! xo
I think idols slip in without us realizing it until someone or something threatens them, or until we ask the hard questions you offer.
Joanne, I think pausing and asking ourselves these hard questions keeps us focused on Christ and not the work we do for Christ.
Too often even our work or service becomes an idol. My husband and I were just talking about staying in tune with our motivation for doing what we do. While it can be convicting, it can also be freeing to realize we can let go of those worthless idols!
You are so right Joanne. Agree 💯. I screen if that’s the word I want, what I watch on TV, read, and what’s going on around me. If it doesn’t line up with God’s word I stop watching say a movie or show, watch very minimal news, and if I’m around anything that doesn’t line up I leave. You’ve got some very strong insights to really think about. I don’t remember where I read it but I recently read that how we dress, make up, diets,etc have the ability to become idols to. Sometimes people become so focused on making themselves presentable and acceptable to society, becomes an idol without them even realizing it. May we monitor ourselves and what we engage in line up with God’s word. So wonderfully spoken today and much needed.
Great questions we must ask ourselves often Ms. Joanne!
Examining our hearts for idols is so necessary to keep ourselves in-line with God’s will for our lives. To live in our world, we do need to take care of ourselves financially through our works, and physically through our purchases, and mentally through what we choose to think about. Any of these can slip into being an idol, unless we put God first. I know I don’t always focus on God first and ask “Is this financial decision, this purchase, this book to read honouring to God?” Great thoughts today!
Joanne, it’s always about what’s going on in our hearts, isn’t it? That’s where God focuses His attention. Not that the outward doesn’t matter, but so much has to do with our motivation. Thanks for giving me a reason to think a little deeper this morning and thanks for hosting each week.