"These men have set up idols in their hearts!" Ezekiel 14:3
"They worshiped and served created things
rather than the Creator—who is forever praised! Amen!"
Romans 1:25
This is the essence of idolatry! We are here forbidden to pay to any
creature, that regard which is due to God alone—or to make it the chief
object ofourlove and pursuit. We may love the creature in a
subordinate way, but not so as to put it in competition with God.
There is nothing in the whole universe which we should desire, or seek, or
devote ourselves to—in comparison with God. Nor is there anything which we
should not willingly part with, rather than offend Him.
The state of our minds towards God should be like that of David, "Whom have
I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh
and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion
forever!" Psalm 73:25-26
To make pleasure, or riches, or honor, or anything but
God, our chief good—is idolatry!