What idols today might cause us to "not listen" to God's voice? Listening to God and Casting Away Idols – Ezekiel 20:8 “But they rebelled against Me and refused to listen to Me; they did not each cast away the idols before their eyes…” What Ezekiel Saw • Israel’s refusal to “listen” was tied directly to keeping idols close • God equates unchecked idolatry with spiritual deafness • The principle holds today: whatever captivates the heart can mute heaven’s voice (cf. Jeremiah 7:24; Matthew 13:15) Idolatry Defined for Our Time • Not merely statues but anything treasured above God (Matthew 6:21) • Whatever shapes decisions, affections, or identity more than His Word (Exodus 20:3) Modern-Day Idols That Muffle God’s Voice • Personal Achievement – Career, grades, titles, “hustle culture” (Luke 12:16-21) • Financial Security – Stock portfolios, savings accounts, crypto gains replacing reliance on Providence (1 Timothy 6:17) • Entertainment & Media – Streaming binges, gaming, endless scrolling dulling sensitivity to Scripture (Psalm 101:3) • Technology – Phones and devices dominating attention, making solitude with God rare (Mark 1:35) • Self-Image & Body Culture – Fitness, fashion, surgery, constant selfies steering worth (1 Samuel 16:7) • Romantic Relationships – Dating, marriage dreams, even family elevated above obedience (Luke 14:26) • Social Approval – Likes, follows, brand management trumping fear of the Lord (Galatians 1:10) • Comfort & Convenience – Apps, deliveries, climate control making discipleship’s cost unappealing (Philippians 3:19) • Political Ideologies – Party loyalty overriding biblical convictions (Psalm 146:3) • Religion as Ritual – Church attendance, traditions, ministries prized over genuine surrender (Isaiah 29:13) Symptoms We’re Not Listening • Quick to justify what Scripture clearly forbids • Prayer life shallow, rushed, or absent • Defensive when idols are confronted (Acts 7:51) • Decisions driven more by fear or pride than faith (Proverbs 3:5-6) Guarding Our Hearts Today • Daily Scripture intake—hearing God before any other voice (Romans 10:17) • Honest inventory: “What rules my calendar, wallet, and thoughts?” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Regular fasting—loosening grip on created things (Matthew 6:16-18) • Christ-centered community that lovingly exposes blind spots (Hebrews 3:13) • Immediate repentance when the Spirit highlights an idol (1 John 1:9) Closing Thoughts Idols promise much yet steal the very ability to hear the One whose words bring life (John 10:27). Casting them away clears the frequency for God’s voice—just as Ezekiel urged Israel, so the Spirit urges us now. |
    |