SELF IDOLATRY

In every person's life ... a throne exists that never goes unoccupied.  

If Jesus Christ is not seated there, the alternative is not some other deity. It is always the 'god of self'. All false religions are forged by the narcissistic doctrines of men. Obedience to their articles of faith is what 'earns' acceptance and recognition. 

True believers come to understand that there is nothing they can 'do' to merit a saving relationship with the Lord. The substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection of God's only begotten Son is what separates Christianity from every other belief system ... For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

'Self' is that seductive, secretive, compelling god who satisfies your sinful impulses ... the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16)

Not only do atheists extol the virtues of self-realization, but today's churches have become advocates of that egocentricity. Self-help, self-esteem, self-love, and self-fulfillment have become regular themes in mainline Christianity ... a contemptible theology that acknowledges Jesus as long as He validates our worth or makes us feel good about ourselves. 

Paul challenged that 'god of self' ... We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

This 'idol' does not require a physical temple or an altar. It is content to dwell in the heart and influence your every thought, word, and deed. The 'god of self' refuses to be controlled by a resolute mindset that was prompted by a guilty conscience. 

The 'self' nature must be put to death ... knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for the one who has died is freed from sin. (Romans 6:6-7) 

If Jesus is not Lord over every part of your life ... 'self' is still on the throne.