Your Spiritual Check-Up Using the 10 Commandmentsનમૂનો

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:2, ESV)

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” (Exodus 20:4, ESV)

No idols – Am I seeking hope, peace and satisfaction from something other than God?

You may not be part of a culture that uses actual carved images as a part of religious practice, but it is estimated that 28% of the world does. And the people of Israel would have been surrounded by people, cultures and religions where idols were essential in their worship. From the perspective of Christianity, the problem is any idol is a false representation and therefore leads you away from the true God, not towards it.

In a larger view, Tim Keller, in his book “Counterfeit Gods,” identifies an idol as this: "An idol is whatever you look at and say, in your heart of hearts, ‘If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning, then I’ll know I have value, then I'll feel significant and secure.’"

As you can see, this is very closely related to yesterday’s discussion about worship. What you love the most is what you worship. And if what you love the most isn’t God, what you love the most is your idol. Your idol is the thing you are looking to provide what only God can give. It may not be an actual carved object, but it is just as real and tangible.

And it is getting in the way of you knowing and experiencing the true God.

Questions to Consider

- What is your honest completion of this sentence: “If I just had _____________, I would be happy.” Is that your idol?

- What do you need from God to set your affections on him and find your fulfillment in him?

Actions to Take

- In the Old Testament, God didn’t mess around with idols, he said to destroy them. Get rid of the things that are replacing God in your life.

- Tell a friend and give them permission to ask you about your idols.

Prayer to Make

Lord Jesus Christ, I know it is only in you I can find what I most need and most want. I affirm my love for you above all things. Help me find my identity and fulfillment in you alone. Amen