Idolatry significantly shapes and impacts identity; causing individuals to become like what they worship. Worshiping created things over the Creator distorts our sense of self. Scripture tells many stories that illustrate how idolatry leads to spiritual blindness and the loss of true identity as imagebearers of God. What is essential? Return to God, seek identity and purpose in Him, and submit to Christ’s transformative work in your life.

Put It into Practice: Use these questions to help identify any idols—What fills your imagination? How do you spend your money? What do you trust as your functional savior? What are your deepest emotions? Confess any idols to God, acknowledging how they have taken precedence over Him.

 

Day 1       Romans 1:18-25

Reflect: What does this passage say about the nature of idolatry? How does idolatry affect our relationship with God and our understanding of truth?

Apply:    Identify any “idols” in your life—things you might be placing above God. Pray for the Lord to reveal areas where you might be suppressing the truth about God in favor of other desires.

Pray:      God, forgive me. I repent of trusting in my own wisdom, in denial of Your righteous claim on my life. I belong to You, for You have created me and redeemed me.

 

 

Day 2      Exodus 32:1-10

Reflect:  How does being made in the image of God contrast with the creation of idols? What were the consequences for creating the golden calf? Why are idols so often sought out?

Apply: In what ways might you be creating “golden calves” in your life—things you turn to for security or identity instead of God? Equate your false identities with your idols.

Pray:  Jesus, reveal to me the areas where I have been worshipping false gods, whether it be through material possessions, relationships, achievements, or my own pride. Help me tear down these idols in my life and be fully devoted to You.

 

 

Day 3       Jeremiah 2:5-13

Reflect:  What does this passage reveal about the futility of idols? How do idols lead to a loss of true identity and purpose? How would you describe the two evils mentioned in verse 13?

Apply:    Examine areas in your life where you might be experiencing “spiritual blindness” or “deafness” due to misplaced priorities. Ask God to help you see and hear Him clearly.

Pray:      Lord, help me see the deceptiveness of every false source of identity and satisfaction and find my thirst fully satisfied in You, the Living Water of my soul.

 

 

Day 4       Psalm 115:1-8

Reflect:  What speaks loudest to you in this psalm? What would be different in you declared verse 1 at the beginning of each day? What do you think is the meaning behind verses 2 and 3?

Apply:     How have you seen the phrase “Becoming like what you worship” true in your life and/or in others (verse 8)? How have you prioritize the desires of your idol over God’s will?

Pray:       God, You are my Creator with power to redeem, restore, and sustain me. Idols are powerless to do anything. I worship You. I trust You.

 

 

Day 5        1 John 5:18-21

Reflect: How does knowing that we are “born of God” provide assurance against the power of the evil one? How do you keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your heart?

Apply:    Describe the enemy’s mission and how it impacts identity. How can you discern between true Christian teaching and false doctrines that could be considered “idols” in the world?

Pray:       Help me to stay ever close to You, walking in truth, knowing that only as You are lifted up on the throne of my life, will the things of this world take their proper, subordinate place.