Faithless Heart

 Did you ever look into the
mirror and discover something
you didn't expect to see?

     Have you ever felt like you were absolutely certain of something only to discover you were absolutely wrong?  Is it any wonder that Jer.17:9 says the heart is deceitful above all things? Even after we are saved from the penalty and power of sin, we still contend with the presence of remaining sin, chief of which is surely idolatry.  John Calvin called the heart an idol factory.  I can barely deal with the current model before a new shiny one is rolling off the assembly line.  My heart is such a flatterer, I don't even recognize my idols until God opens my eyes to them. 


     Recently, I listened to a sermon by C. J. Mahaney about this subject.  It happened that at the time I was listening to it, I was also learning that certain people in my life were speaking unkindly about me.  In processing my emotions over this matter, I was confronted with the fact that I had set up an idol of "esteem" in my heart.  Oh, how I want folks to like me!  How dare anyone tamper with my idol!  ...Uh oh.   


     Even though I know what practical idolatry looks like, as I've written about on my blog, I am too often unaware when the symptoms are evident in my own life.  What makes me seethe?  What makes me want to lash out?  Unless it's an assault on the Holy Name of God, His honor, His Glory, or His Kingdom, chances are good that I'm guarding an idol.  I pray to God that He alone will occupy the throne of my heart.  May my heart be filled with the knowledge of who He is, what He has done, and allow nothing to interfere with His rightful place.


C.J. Mahaney's sermon series, "The Idol Factory" free here: 
    
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