Tearing Down Idols

Read

Exodus 32:7-8 “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, these are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’”

Think

If you want to know what you worship, look at what you can’t live without. That’s the heart of idolatry—not bowing before a golden statue but allowing something to take God’s rightful place in your life. The truth is, we are all worshipers. The only question is: who or what are we worshiping?

In Exodus 32, the Israelites couldn’t wait on God, so they built a golden calf. It was a quick fix, a tangible god they could control. But the problem wasn’t just the calf—it was their hearts. They wanted something easier than trusting the unseen God. Sound familiar? We may not craft idols out of gold, but we build them from success, relationships, entertainment, or even good things like family or ministry. When we elevate anything above God, it becomes an idol.

A.W. Tozer once said, “The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of him.” That’s why idolatry is so dangerous—it subtly distorts our trust in God and replaces dependence on him with something else. We chase after approval, financial security, or the perfect life, thinking they will satisfy. But idols always overpromise and underdeliver. They leave us exhausted, empty, and enslaved.

Jesus invites us to something better. In Matthew 6:33, he says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The answer to idolatry isn’t just removing the idol—it’s replacing it with deeper love for Jesus. The more we treasure him, the less appeal idols will have.

So, what’s fighting for first place in your heart? The war for your worship is real—who will win?

Apply

Identify what’s taking first place – Ask yourself: What do I think about most? What do I turn to for comfort? What, if taken away, would make me feel lost? If something is competing with God for your heart, it may be an idol.

Pray

Lord, I don’t want anything to take your place in my heart. Show me the idols I’ve been holding onto and give me the strength to surrender them to you. Help me to worship you in spirit and truth, to seek you first, and to find my satisfaction in you alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.