Read 'em and Reap!: Idols of the Heart

Idols of the Heart – Elyse Fitzpatrick
When we think of false idols, perhaps the first one that comes to mind is buddha statues. We may think of the golden calf at Mt Sinai, or one of the many references to the wood or stone figures of the Bible. Whatever our minds land on, one thing is certain – we generally do not think of the ones generated by our own hearts. However, John Calvin once said that our hearts are a perpetual factory of idols. Colossians 3:5 says that greed is an idol. When we start thinking of it in those kind of terms, idol worship is a far larger issue than at first thought. In fact anything that draws our attention away from God alone is an idol. What do we do about it?

Elyse Fitzpatrick has written this very helpful book to help us recognize, evaluate and “put off” the idols of the heart and to “put on” the characteristics that are pleasing to God. Each chapter examines various characters and unpacks the issues of their hearts. We see such people as Mary and Martha, Eli, Rachel, Rahab, Abraham and many others. She then takes these lessons and skillfully helps us realize how our hearts are very much the same as those biblical characters. Fitzpatrick presents a solidly biblical view of the human heart, pulls no punches about our depravity and explains the only solution for this situation is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

The book is also helpful in that it gives various exercises for helping us discover sinful patterns and false gods. She gives charts to use to track thought processes and habits, and uses some of her own experiences as examples. This is a very refreshing book in a time when it seems that the people who claim to be Christians enjoy having their ears tickled, tend to think more highly of themselves than they ought and are more focused on loving themselves more. This book will help us get back to the reality of how the Word of God describes us and point us to the one Hope of a solution. Read 'em & Reap!

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I know i'll sound a bit sarcastic but I've really been struggling with my faith and the whole one saviour thing for quite a long time now. Since, "Colossians 3:5 says that greed is an idol. When we start thinking of it in those kind of terms, idol worship is a far larger issue than at first thought. " Do you think she's donating 100% of the profits from this book back to God?

I doubt she is donating 100% of the profits from this book back to God if you think that means giving it all to the Church, nor should she anymore than you should give 100% of your paycheck. To insinuate that she is greedy if she doesn't give it all is to judge her motives. God has given her an ability to write well and to apply Scripture to particular life issues. She has chosen, as part of her career and ministry, to use both of those talents.
As for your struggle with "the whole one savior thing", I truly recommend that you read the Gospel of John. If you believe that Jesus is, at least, one way to get to Heaven, the Gospel of John makes it clear that He is the only way. If you have not already, you can click on the "Stop" button at the top to read more about Jesus' claim that He is the only Way to be saved.

Yes, we must be careful what we make our idols. Some have made "church" their idol. Some have made the "bible" their idol. It would apear that anything that takes one's attention from God and the Reign of God that Jesus spoke about could become an idol. It seems that was a huge part of his message, don't make religion your idol. Don't make the "law" your idol. Don't make "keeping" the law your idol. Don't make being a "christian" your idol. What has our heart? As Bob Dylan once said, "don't idolize your idols."

Great post. Good reminder. Thanks!
Rick

Idols of the Heart

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