Are Idols Hiding in Your Life? The Slow Creep That Steals Your Faith

Based on Pastor Rich's Palm Sunday sermon from Mark 11

From Idols to Witnesses: Letting Jesus Recapture Your Heart

As we entered Holy Week, Pastor Rich delivered a powerful and convicting message reminding us that the greatest threat to our faith often isn’t the big storms of life—but the slow, quiet creep of convenience, distraction, and misplaced priorities. These are the modern-day idols that can silently take the throne in our hearts.

Key Scripture: Mark 11:1–11, 15–17

Jesus enters Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna,” riding on a colt in fulfillment of prophecy. The crowd celebrates Him as King—but by the next day, the shouts have faded. Jesus enters the temple and sees what it has become: not a house of prayer, but a marketplace of convenience.

1. Man’s Praise is Fleeting. God’s Love is Eternal.

The same people who shouted Hosanna on Sunday were silent just days later. We often echo that pattern—praising God when it’s easy but retreating when things get tough. The praise of man is here one moment and gone the next. But God’s love is unwavering, steadfast, and eternal.

“Man’s praise is fleeting. But God’s love? That’s forever.”

2. Beware the Slow Creep of Idols

What happened at the temple wasn't just about money—it was about misplaced priorities. The religious leaders had moved the marketplace into the court of the Gentiles, crowding out the space meant for outreach and worship. Why? Because it was convenient.

Convenience can be an idol. So can rest, busyness, possessions, even relationships—anything that slowly takes more of our attention than Christ.

“An idol is the elevation of anything above God in one’s life.”

3. Why Do We Create Idols? Control vs. Surrender

We create idols because we can control them. But true faith requires surrender.

“We can manipulate idols. But Jesus asks us to lay everything down and follow Him.”

In Ezekiel 14, God says He will expose the idols in His people's hearts—not to punish, but to recapture their hearts.

4. Is Jesus in the Driver’s Seat… or the Backseat?

Many of us say, “Jesus, take the wheel,” but only after we’ve veered off course. Pastor Rich reminded us that Jesus should be in the driver’s seat from the beginning. When we let Him lead:

• We don’t have to worry about provision

• We don't have to chase power, fame, or security

• We find peace in surrender

5. So What? How to Respond

• Ask: Are there idols in my heart? What am I placing above Jesus this week?

• Reflect: How am I using my time, energy, and attention? What am I giving the most weight to?

• Repent: God doesn’t reveal idols to condemn us—but to recapture our hearts.

• Recommit: Begin each day with prayer. Invite God to set the agenda.

Devotional Reflection

Take a moment today and pray:

“Lord, is there anything I’ve placed above You? Help me see it. Help me surrender it. Recapture my heart.”

Jesus didn’t come for performance. He came for relationship. And He still walks through our lives, flipping over the idols we’ve let in—inviting us to trust Him completely.