Idols of the Heart by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Idols are not only statues. Since God asks for our undivided love and worship, anything preventing such devotion can be an idol.

Fitzpatrick helps readers discover sinful patterns that reveal sinful thinking. A worksheet in Appendix A can be used to complete that process. Sample questions include: What do I want more than I want to be holy? What specific commandments have I ignored or disobeyed?
Fitzpatrick suggests a threefold process of sanctification: putting off, renewing the attitude, putting on. She speaks to the role of emotions, noting that we do not need more willpower – we need new thoughts.
She suggests that as we seek to put off idolatry, we concentrate on God's kindness, holiness and majesty. “A heart that is crammed with thoughts of God's beauty, kindness, holiness, majesty, greatness, and glory has no room for feeble counterfeits and will inevitably burst forth with fervent praises.” (202)
There are reflection questions at the end of each chapter. While this study could be completed alone, I think it would be best done in a discipleship group, with lively discussion.


P & R Publishing, 205 pages.