"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:14 (NIV)

Joshua's words sound extreme at first. These were Abraham's descendants, God's chosen people. Surely they weren't carrying around idol statues. Yet Joshua insisted they put away their gods.

He knew something critical about human hearts. We don't need physical idols to practice idolatry. Anything that commands our ultimate allegiance becomes a god. Anything that dictates our priorities shapes our worship. Anything that controls our decisions claims our devotion.

Joshua identified two sources of competing gods. First, the gods from beyond the River, where Abraham came from. These represent our past patterns and old ways. Second, the gods of Egypt and the Amorites, representing present culture. We face the same dual temptation today.

Modern gods don't sit on shelves or our made-up altars. They live in our schedules and bank accounts. The god of success whispers that your worth comes from accomplishments. The god of financial security promises peace through your portfolio. The god of comfort organizes life around ease and convenience. The god of approval shapes you by others' opinions. And whoever god you have molded with your hands today.

Watch how these gods shape your actual days. Success fills your calendar until there's no room for worship. Security makes you calculate every expense but never calculate generosity. Comfort chooses the easy path over the faithful one. Approval rehearses what others think more than what God says. Whatever controls your choices has become your master.

Godseekers, honesty is the first step toward freedom. You cannot renounce what you won't recognize. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what really dictates your decisions. Name the god that's been sitting on the throne. Then dethrone it and serve the Lord alone. Your real god isn't the one you worship on Sunday but the one you obey on Monday.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have served other gods. Search my heart and reveal what I've been worshiping instead of You. Show me where success, security, comfort, or approval has claimed the throne. I don't want a divided heart anymore. Give me courage to name my idols and grace to put them away. Help me serve You with all faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• What do I fear losing more than I fear disobeying God?
• Which competing god (success, security, comfort, approval, control) has the strongest hold on my daily decisions?

Step of Faith

Today, I will name one specific "god" that has been competing with Christ for my allegiance and confess it to God in prayer.