Silent Forms of Idolatry Practiced by Christians Today: Self as an Idol (Self-Worship) (Part 7)
Heart-probing questions are at the end of this lesson—read to the end and answer them sincerely to see if self is your idol.
One of the most subtle idols today is self.
Denying Self
Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Mark 8:34 (NKJV)
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23 (NKJV)
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
This is the worst idol many of us have, and most don’t even know it exists. The idol of self has given rise to all other idols we’ve discussed in previous lessons.
You may be practicing this without knowing—see
hidden forms of idolatry in modern Christianity
Self is simply when we place ourselves higher than God and His Word, or when our personal feelings and desires override God’s instructions.
Signs of Self-Worship
When a person worships self:
1. Obedience is convenience-based.
2. Church programs are skipped if the time or place is inconvenient.
3. Giving is limited if it doesn’t bring public recognition.
4. Prayer and fasting are avoided if they conflict with personal comfort.
5. Ministry assignments or relocation are rejected if they don’t benefit them personally.
Self-worship also fuels pride, shyness, fear of humiliation, and disobedience, all of which block the life of sacrifice God calls us to.
Romans 8:5-8 (NKJV)
[5] For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
[6] For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
[7] Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God; neither indeed can be.
[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Notice verse 7: if you are controlled by self, you cannot truly submit to God’s law, no matter how hard you try.
Heart-Probing Questions
Answer these sincerely to examine if self is your idol:
1. If you have a business deal that will pay you 100m and God wants to send you on an errand the same day, which do you choose?
2. When making decisions, do I seek God first, or primarily consider what benefits or satisfies me?
3. Do I get upset, anxious, or frustrated when things don’t go my way, even if it doesn’t affect others?
4. How often do I praise myself for my accomplishments rather than giving glory to God?
5. Do I base my worth on achievements, popularity, appearance, or what others think of me?
6. Am I quick to justify my actions, even when Scripture clearly shows they are wrong?
7. Do I feel entitled to recognition, respect, or special treatment regardless of obedience to God?
8. When someone criticizes me, do I respond defensively or humbly examine myself first?
9. Do I resist submission to authority in the church or home because I trust my own judgment more?
10. Am I motivated by personal gain, comfort, or convenience rather than God’s will?
11. Do I find it hard to let go of control, feeling like I must orchestrate everything to succeed or be happy?
Next lesson: Using Jesus as a Tool Instead of Submitting to Him as Lord (Part 8).
If this message has spoken to you, here are some related teachings that will help you understand Silent Forms of Idolatry more deeply:
1. Silent Forms of Idolatry Practiced by Christians Today: Trusting God “Plus” Something Else (Part 1)
4. Silent Forms of Idolatry Practiced by Christians Today: Fear-Based Faith (Part 4)
8. Hidden Forms of Idolatry in Modern Christianity: The Subtle Enemies of True Worship
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