"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:21

As we have seen, an idol is any desire that has grown into a consuming demand that rules our hearts; it is something we think we must have to be happy, fulfilled, or secure. To put it another way, it is something we love, fear, or trust.

This one's really all about you.

Keep your eyes on your own paper. Do you remember hearing that in school, maybe right before or during a test? Sometimes it was a little hard, huh? But the teacher wanted you to do your own work and as we grow older, we see the benefit of that perspective. Or do we?

Take a discussion of idols, for instance. We could think through that for a moment, but more than likely, the overriding urge would be to consider what someone else idolizes. Yes, well, we all know that Rebecca...or You know, I'm convinced that James ...

Keep your eyes on your own heart. What is it that is consuming you? What is the thing that you're convinced will make you happy? What is it you are looking for to bring you the security you crave. Look deep within yourself, spend some time on your knees, and ask Christ to reveal those people, places or things you love, fear, or trust more than Him.

For a detailed treatment of this topic of heart idols, see the article "Getting to the Heart of Conflict" on the Peacemaker Ministries website.