The idea of serving foreign gods seems odd to many modern Christians, Yet this very week, the ancient gods of Greece and Rome will be paraded around New Orleans and celebrated during Mardi Gras. And as God warned in Romans 1, such idolatry will lead to all manner of sexual immorality and perversion as people choose to worship the created things rather than the creator.

False religion is just one of many idols invading “Christian” homes in the 21st century. Porn and other forms of immorality are extremely common. Scripture also describes the love of money and greed as idolatry. So the important question is, “Are you and your household really serving Jesus, or just giving Jesus lip service while serving other gods?”

A good question to ask is whether you would give something up if Jesus asked you to, either through Scripture, or through the Holy Spirit. If anything is more important to you than following Jesus, odds are you have some idol (or yourself) on the throne of your life rather than Jesus. You probably shouldn't worry too much about possible idols for other people in your household until you are sure you are serving Jesus and Jesus alone in your own heart and life.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You that by the blood of Jesus, we your dear children can keep ourselves from idols. Shine the light of Jesus on my heart and on my life and expose any dark corners, anything hidden, that might be a false god or an idol in my life. I want to serve You with my whole heart, but I confess I have often held things back and been blind to long held habits and values in opposition to Your kingdom. Help me to get the log out of my own eye, so that I can see clearly to help other members of my household get any specks out of their eyes. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Since we have this encouragement today, walk around and take a visual inventory of your home for any physical items associated with superstition, good luck charms, false gods, or the occult. Dispose of any you find in a way that others cannot be tempted by them, and pray that God will cleanse your home and your heart of all that is offensive to Him.