Keep Yourselves From Idols

The very first message I heard at Bethlehem Baptist Church in August of 2010 was preached by our downtown campus pastor, Kenny Stokes. He was concluding the book of 1 John and spent the message on the very last verse, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

He made a list of ways to identify idols in our hearts through a series of questions that one could periodically ask in introspection to gauge where his or her heart is towards God. 

I cannot stress this point enough: Identifying idols in your heart is not just an easier way to find problems and through hard word and discipline fix your stance towards God. All idols can tell you is that you have a heart that looks for joy everywhere else. Being able to identify the particular places of struggle simply give direction as how to pray more specifically for yourself. The reason I believe this list is really helpful is because, so often, we are self deceived when it comes to what are problems actually are. Through complete honesty, this series of 13 questions help to pinpoint some of the major areas of failure in your life. For it to be helpful, it is imperative that you are honest with yourself. You have nothing to gain by trying to sugarcoat your problems.

I made a Microsoft Word document and fill it out and save it every month (that I can). I put the heading "Idol Test" as a recurring event on my calendar so that I am reminded to fill it out every 30 days or so. 

Here are the questions:

1.  Who or what do you most highly value?

2.  By default, who or what do you think about most often?

3.  What is your pinnacle, or your highest goal?

4.  To whom, or to what are you most committed?

5.  Who or what do you love the most?

6.  Who do you trust or depend on the most?

7.  Who or what do you fear the most?

8.  Primarily, who or what do you hope in and hope for?

9.  Who or what do you desire the most?

10.  In whom or in what do you most delight? (If object is gone, then sin may be introduced)

11.  Who or what captures your greatest zeal?

12. For whom or for what are you most thankful?

13.  For whom, or for what purpose do you work or attend school?

I realize that there is overlap in these questions, but they really do help to isolate the problems. I do suggest filling these out periodically, and then looking back over the span of a few months and seeing how God has been moving and changing your life and your struggles. It's like a spiritual journal filled with the ways that God has grown you through seasonal struggles. 

Grace is an astounding thing.

God is our hope.

.DSN.