IDENTIFYING IDOLS
PART 1: SURFACE IDOLS
In what ways do you complete this sentence: “Life only has meaning or I only have worth if…”
- I have power and influence over others.” (Power Idolatry)
- I am loved and respected by _____.” (Approval Idolatry)
- I have this kind of pleasure experience, a particular quality of life.” (Comfort idolatry)
- I am able to get mastery over my life in the area of _____.” (Control idolatry)
- People are dependent on me and need me.” (Helping Idolatry)
- Someone is there to protect me and keep me safe.” (Dependence idolatry)
- I am completely free from obligations or responsibilities to take care of someone.”
(Independence idolatry)
- I am highly productive and getting a lot done.” (Work idolatry)
- I am being recognized for my accomplishments, and I am excelling in my work.” (Achievement
idolatry)
- I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and very nice possessions.” (Materialism
idolatry)
- I am adhering to my religion’s moral codes and accomplished in its activities.” (Religion
idolatry)
- This one person is in my life and happy to be there, and/or happy with me.” (Individual person
idolatry)
- I feel I am totally independent of organized religion and am living by a self-made morality.”
(Irreligion idolatry)
- My race and culture is ascendant and recognized as superior.” (Racial/cultural idolatry)
- A particular social grouping or professional grouping or other group lets me in.” (Inner ring
idolatry)
- My children and/or my parents are happy and happy with me.” (Family idolatry)
- Mr. or Ms. “Right” is in love with me.” (Relationship Idolatry)
- I am hurting, in a problem; only then do I feel worthy of love or able to deal with guilt.”
(Suffering idolatry)
- My political or social cause is making progress and ascending in influence or power.” (Ideology
idolatry)
- I have a particular kind of look or body image.” (Image idolatry)
Continue to the next page to identify how these idols impact your life and those around you.
© 2024 The Bible Recap | thebiblerecap.com
IDENTIFYING IDOLS
PART 2: SOURCE IDOLS
The first four categories of idolatry from the previous page are the most common and pronounced.
Most of the other types of idolatry listed are merely subcategories of those four source idols (Power,
Approval, Comfort, Control). Which one (or more) are you most inclined toward?
If you seek POWER (success, winning, influence)...
- Your greatest nightmare is: Humiliation
- People around you often feel: Used
- Your problem emotion is: Anger
If you seek APPROVAL (affirmation, love, relationships)…
- Your greatest nightmare is: Rejection
- People around you often feel: Smothered
- Your problem emotion is: Cowardice
If you seek COMFORT (privacy, lack of stress, freedom)…
- Your greatest nightmare is: Stress, demands
- People around you often feel: Neglected
- Your problem emotion is: Boredom
If you seek CONTROL (self-discipline, certainty, standards)...
- Your greatest nightmare is: Uncertainty
- People around you often feel: Condemned
- Your problem emotion is: Worry
Excerpted from and based on “Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything” by Tim Keller
© 2024 The Bible Recap | thebiblerecap.com
