Every one of us is, even from his mother’s womb, a master craftsman of idols.

                                                                                                 —John Calvin

When we seek satisfaction, significance, or security in anything other than Jesus Christ, we are crafting idols in our hearts.

Idol worship is as old as mankind. One does not need to study culture for very long to see how people have dethroned the one true God and placed all manner of “things� to rule as lord of their lives. The prophet Ezekiel nails it in the Old Testament book that bears his name: “…this message came to me from the Lord: ‘Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that lead them into sin’� (Ezekiel 14:3 NLV).

Ok, that gets my attention as I head into a new decade! Where have I set up idols in my heart that lead me into sin? My idols, like yours, I’d guess, are not ones constructed of wood or stone. No, for me the idols are my performance, my looks, my success, or my reputation in the eyes of others. I have sincerely taken a long look into my heart and have not been altogether excited about what I see there. I’ve been praying about this, and God has highlighted the main idol he wants to tear down now: the idol of approval.

This is what I wrote in my journal just days ago: “I come confessing the idol—and it’s a deep one in my life—approval. I have an inordinate need to be liked and approved of by others. I see myself through their eyes and allow them too much power to define me. God, rout out this vile idol that sets itself up against you and your holy word. You have given me a new, godly identity. Help me to see myself through your eyes. I choose to meditate all year on my new identity in Christ. Help me, Holy Spirit, when I get off-track. Amen.�

Where are your idols that are leading you into sin? Ask God to highlight where you’re seeking meaning apart from Christ. Mostly, these are good things: family, money, health, love, or a good reputation. But we are idol-builders in our hearts, and the enemy of our souls would want us to dethrone our great God and put a fake—any fake, even a basicly good one—in the center of our lives. Take a moment and pray or journal around this question. Let’s begin this new decade with a cleansed spirit before our loving Father. Let’s commit to loving him and him alone so that all our meaning and purpose may be derived from who he is and all he has done for us.