“The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will totally disappear.”
— Isaiah 2:17–18 (NIV)
Isaiah 2 is a sobering chapter. God confronts a people who had become full of pride, obsessed with wealth, alliances, and the “work of their own hands.” They maintained outward religion while harboring inward idolatry. They exalted things God never asked for and built altars to themselves.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
God doesn’t compete with idols—He tears them down.
Not because He’s cruel, but because He’s kind enough to make room for His presence again.
The Question That Changed Everything
Last year, I didn’t realize how tightly I was clinging to my title in the church until God gently asked me a question I didn’t want to hear:
“Do you think it’s time to put this down?”
It was such a gentle question, yet it exposed everything. Because the moment you even consider asking God what He thinks about your position, your platform, your title, your relationship, or your dream—you already sense the answer. You feel it in your gut. You just hope He won’t say it out loud.
The truth was uncomfortable but undeniable:
I had come to love the work more than the One who called me to it.
Ministry gave me identity. The title gave me purpose. Being needed made me feel seen. But slowly, what once gave life started to feel like pressure. What once felt natural began to feel forced. And still—I held on.
Because what would I be without it?
God, in His mercy, didn’t rip it from me.
He whispered. Softly. Kindly:
“Do you think it’s time to put this down?”
The Ache of Surrender
Surrender is rarely loud.
It usually starts with a quiet ache—a tension between what you know is true and what you’re afraid to admit.
The thoughts come rushing:
“But this is good, right?”
“Didn’t You give this to me?”
“People are helped by this.”
But here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Sometimes we use God’s name to keep idols standing. And God loves us enough to let them fall.
Yes, you can idolize ministry.
You can idolize your own calling.
You can idolize leaders and their opinions.
You can even idolize purpose itself.
What Is an Idol?
An idol is anything you fear losing more than losing intimacy with God.
It might be a relationship. Your image or reputation. A position or title. Control, money, or success.
How Do You Know It’s an Idol?
You’re afraid to ask God what He thinks about it.
You justify it because “it’s helping people” or “God gave it to me”
You panic when it’s threatened.
It defines your value.
It’s draining you—but you won’t let it go.
If that’s hitting you, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there too.
Practical Ways to Tear Down Modern Idols
1. Ask the Brave Question
“God, is this still what You want for me?”
Be open. Be honest. Don’t assume the answer.
He may not ask you to drop it—He may ask you to detach your identity from it.
2. Practice a Physical Surrender
Write it down. Say it out loud.
Place the name of the idol—whether it’s a title, a person, or a dream—before God and pray:
“I give this back to You. It’s not my god. You are.”
3. Fast from It Temporarily
If it’s something you can pause (social media, a role, a relationship, a stage)—do it.
Let the discomfort show you where your heart was attached.
4. Fill the Gap With Worship
Idols fall when God is lifted.
Every day, make space to exalt Him—not for what He gives, but for who He is.
Declare:
“You alone are God. I trust You with what I’m afraid to lose.”
5. Confess to Someone You Trust
Tell someone what you’re surrendering. Let them pray with you.
Idols thrive in secrecy—but freedom grows in community.
One Last Reminder:
God tears down our idols not to leave us empty, but to fill us with Himself.
He never asks you to surrender something unless He’s ready to give you something deeper.
You are never alone.
You got this.