Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Am I the idol in my own life?”
It’s a tough question, isn’t it?
As Christian women, we’re often so focused on living out our faith, serving others, and following God’s plan for our lives that it seems almost impossible to think we could be guilty of idolizing ourselves.
But in today’s world, where self-care, self-love, and self-empowerment are celebrated, it’s all too easy to slip into a “me-first” mentality without even realizing it.
The Bible is clear about the dangers of idolatry.
Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me.”
While we might not be bowing down to golden calves or worshiping statues, the idol of self can be just as dangerous—and even more subtle.
When we start putting ourselves at the center of our lives, we push God out of the spotlight and risk losing sight of His plans and purposes for us.
Let’s dive into how this idol of self can creep into our lives, often without us noticing, and how we can break free from this mentality to refocus on what truly matters: our relationship with God.
(You can download a printable version of this devotional at the very end.)
1. When We Start Putting Ourselves First
One of the first signs that the idol of self is taking root in our lives is when we start putting ourselves first in everything.
Whether it’s our time, our resources, or our attention, we begin to prioritize our own desires and needs above all else.
Think about it—how often do we justify skipping quiet time with God because we’re “too busy” with work, family, or personal projects?
Or how often do we focus more on our comfort and convenience than on serving others or following God’s call?
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:37-39 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
When we place ourselves above God and others, we invert the order that Jesus laid out for us, making our desires the driving force in our lives instead of God’s will.
Breaking free from this mentality starts with a shift in perspective.
Instead of asking, “What do I want today?” try asking, “How can I serve God and others today?”
It’s a small change, but it can have a profound impact on our hearts and lives.
2. When We Think Our Achievements Are Our Own Doing
We live in a culture that glorifies achievement.
From career success to personal milestones, it’s easy to start thinking that our accomplishments are the result of our hard work, intelligence, and determination.
While it’s true that God gives us talents and abilities, the danger comes when we start to believe that we’re solely responsible for our successes.
The Bible reminds us in Deuteronomy 8:17-18, “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
When we begin to take credit for what God has done in our lives, we’re essentially placing ourselves on a pedestal. It’s easy to forget that every good thing we achieve is a gift from God, not a result of our efforts alone.
To break free from this mindset, it’s essential to cultivate a heart of gratitude.
Regularly thank God for the opportunities, strengths, and successes He’s given you, acknowledging that it’s by His grace that you’ve accomplished anything.
By doing so, you keep God at the center and resist the temptation to idolize your achievements.
3. When We Believe ‘I Got Here on My Own’
One of the most dangerous lies we can believe is that we’ve reached where we are today by our own strength and effort.
This mentality not only dismisses God’s role in our lives but also isolates us from the community of believers He’s placed around us.
The truth is, none of us are self-made. God places people, opportunities, and even challenges in our lives to shape us, grow us, and help us become the women He’s called us to be.
Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
When we start to believe that we’ve “gotten here on our own,” we’re effectively saying that we don’t need God—or anyone else, for that matter.
This attitude can lead to pride, self-sufficiency, and ultimately, loneliness.
To combat this mindset, it’s important to stay connected to God and to the community He’s given you.
Regularly reflect on the ways God has guided your steps, and don’t be afraid to lean on others for support and encouragement.
Remember, we’re all in this journey of faith together, and God never intended for us to go it alone.
4. When We Think ‘I’m All That I Need’
The world tells us that we should be self-sufficient, independent, and able to handle anything that comes our way.
While independence can be a good thing, it becomes dangerous when we start to believe that we’re all we need—that we don’t need God’s help, wisdom, or guidance.
This mentality can lead to burnout, stress, and a sense of emptiness, because the truth is, we were never meant to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.
Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
We need God, and He desires to be our source of strength, peace, and guidance.
Breaking free from the “I’m all that I need” mentality involves humbling ourselves before God and acknowledging our dependence on Him.
It’s okay to admit that we don’t have it all together and that we need His help. In fact, it’s in our weakness that His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).
5. When We Seek the Spotlight Instead of Reflecting God’s Glory
Finally, the idol of self often shows up when we crave recognition, praise, and validation from others.
Whether it’s through social media, our careers, or even within our church communities, the desire to be in the spotlight can lead us to put our own glory above God’s.
But as Christians, we’re called to be reflectors of God’s glory, not seekers of our own.
Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our lives should point others to God, not to ourselves.
If you find yourself seeking validation from others, it’s time to refocus on who truly deserves the glory.
Instead of asking, “How can I be noticed?” ask, “How can I make God known?”
When we shift the spotlight from ourselves to God, we find true fulfillment and joy in living for His glory.
Breaking Free from the Idol of Self
The idol of self is a subtle and pervasive temptation in our lives, but the good news is that we don’t have to be enslaved by it.
By recognizing these warning signs and intentionally refocusing our hearts and minds on God, we can break free from the me-first mentality and live a life that truly honors Him.
Start by spending time in prayer, asking God to reveal any areas of your life where you might be putting yourself first.
Surrender those areas to Him and ask for His help in keeping Him at the center of your life.
As you do, you’ll find that true joy, peace, and fulfillment come not from putting yourself first, but from placing God on the throne where He rightfully belongs.
Remember, it’s not about neglecting your needs or downplaying your accomplishments.
God wants you to thrive and succeed, but He also wants to be the one you turn to, rely on, and glorify in every aspect of your life.
So let’s break free from the idol of self and choose to live for the One who gave everything for us.
If studying the Bible better is on your list of things to do this year, be sure to visit our Bible Study Resources page where you’ll find everything you need to make Bible study a regular part of your daily routine.
Reflection
- In what areas of your life have you noticed a tendency to put your own desires or achievements above God’s will? How can you begin to reorient your priorities to place God at the center?
- How often do you find yourself seeking validation or recognition from others rather than finding your worth in Christ? What steps can you take to remind yourself that your identity is rooted in Him, not in the opinions of others?
- Reflect on a recent accomplishment or success. How can you acknowledge and give thanks to God for His role in that achievement, and how can you use it to glorify Him rather than seeking the spotlight for yourself?
You can download a free printable version of this page with the reflection questions (without images/ads) to keep handy in your study binder.
Be sure to read more from our Modern Idols series:
