When Good Things Become Other Gods Recognizing the Subtle Idols That Compete for the Throne of the Heart
Other Gods: The Subtle Idols of the Heart When we say, “I don’t serve other gods,” most of us think of carved images or false religions. But Scripture reveals something deeper. An idol is anything that takes the place that belongs to God alone. It is not always visible. It is often internal. It lives in the heart and governs the mind. Yet before we go further, let’s bring balance. This message is not saying: Relationships are wrong. Money is evil. Success is sinful. Rest is laziness. Caring for yourself is selfish. God created work. God created relationships. God created provision. God created rest. The issue is not possession — it is position. The issue is not having — it is ruling. When Good Things Take God’s Place Money is not evil. Scripture says the love of money is a root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). We are called to work and provide (1 Timothy 5:8). God even gives power to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Relationships are blessings. God Himself said it is not g...