What occupies the center?

These aren't original thoughts by me, but what has been on my mind since reading Mark Batterson's blog yesterday. He wrote the following:

"In the beginning, God created us in His image. We've been creating Him in our image ever since. Instead of worshiping the Creator, we settle for something less. We find a substitute god, small g. Instead of the Ultimate End, God becomes a means to an end. We want something more than we want God. And we try to use God to get it."

That is the definition of an idol. Maybe you don't have a little statue that you bow down to, but what is it that you are placing in front of your desire for God? I challenge to really think about the following questions and then be brutally honest in telling your answers to someone.

• What consumes your thoughts? What is it that you daydream about?
• What habits do you you struggle with?
• What do you spend too much money on?
• What produces intense emotions in you? What are you emotionally attached to that shows in your strongest emotions?

These all are pointers toward things that might be idols. Things you place in front of God. Things that mights control you and your thoughts. Things that have control of your money. Where your heart lies. To remove an idol you have to be able to name it. Do you have any idols that need destroyed? If so, what are you going to do about it? Who are you going to reveal your answers to?