How can we "put away the foreign gods" in our modern lives today? the call to put away foreign gods “So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear Israel’s misery.” (Judges 10:16) Israel’s repentance involved two inseparable actions: removing idols and actively serving the LORD. The same pattern applies today. identifying modern idols Anything we trust, love, or obey above God becomes a “foreign god.” Common contenders: • Possessions and material security (Luke 12:15) • Career, achievement, or reputation (Philippians 3:7–8) • Entertainment and pleasure (2 Timothy 3:4) • Romantic relationships or family placed above Christ (Matthew 10:37) • Self—autonomy, personal truth, image (2 Timothy 3:2) • Technology and social media (Psalm 115:4–8) • Political or ideological loyalties (Psalm 146:3) practical steps to dethrone them 1. Compare every affection with the First Commandment • “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) 2. Expose idols by the light of Scripture • Use passages like Colossians 3:5 and 1 John 5:21 as diagnostic mirrors. 3. Physically remove or limit tempting objects • Delete apps, cancel subscriptions, downsize possessions, restructure budgets. 4. Redirect time, energy, and money toward the Lord • Worship, fellowship, service, and generosity crowd idols out (Romans 12:1). 5. Replace lies with truth • Memorize verses that challenge each idol (e.g., Matthew 6:24 for money; Galatians 1:10 for approval). 6. Enlist accountability • Invite mature believers to speak into blind spots (Proverbs 27:17). guarding against future idols • Daily heart check: “Search me, O God.” (Psalm 139:23–24) • Regular fasting from good things to prove they don’t own you. • Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly (1 John 1:9). • Celebrate stories of deliverance to remember His sufficiency (Joshua 4:6–7). • Anticipate Christ’s return; eternal perspective shrinks earthly rivals (Titus 2:13). living exclusively for the Lord “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9) Putting away foreign gods is not a one-time purge but a lifestyle of treasuring Christ above all. As we continually dethrone rivals and enthrone Him, we experience the same mercy Israel found—our God cannot bear the misery of His repentant people. |
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