“Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?” (Ezekiel 14:3 NLT).

IDOLATRY OF THE HEART HINDERS PRAYER

There is a type of idol that is unseen, but is just as surely built and worshiped in the human heart. This idol of the heart comes between us and God. Those elevated to leadership must recognize their particular vulnerability to this type of idolatry. These idols are not made with wood nor stone, but with a prideful lust for power and position. It causes a kind of religious self-delusion and makes us susceptible to sin. It makes our prayer life ineffective. Remove the thing that has stolen your heart and taken first place ahead of loving God. Repent and make the Lord your first love, so that you might know God’s forgiveness and experience fellowship with Him in prayer!

PRAYER: Dear Father, search us and see if there is any hidden idol in our hearts. We only want You at the center of our hearts. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to pull our affections off of our idols and to put them wholly on You. Empower us to tear down our idols, so that always put You first. We want Your will, not ours. In Jesus’ name, amen.