Micah 4:5

"Though all the peoples walk each in the name of his god, as for us, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever."

Everyone, without exception, serves a god. Technically there are no atheists, for even the one who says he/she does not believe there is a god worships (attributes ultimate worth to) someone or something, even if it's him- or herself. Consequently, everyone daily decides, not whether to worship a god or not, but which being will receive his/her worship: the living God of all that is, or a substitute.
We as believers must constantly be on guard lest even one of the multitudes of worldly substitute deities subtly slips onto the throne of our hearts, displacing the name of the LORD our God. The enemy of our soul would have us assume it cannot happen. Yet the One who knows the true depths of our deceitful heart warns, "Therefore, let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall."

Repentance

Recently I came across an outline related to repentance that proved helpful.
Repentance: A Three-Fold Process of Change
1. Our MIND Changes
Agreeing with God about the truth. As long as we offer excuses, we
have not yet repented. We must come to the point of echoing David's
cry in Psalm 51:3,4.

2. Our HEART Changes
We must have a broken heart before the Father, grieving over what
our sin has done to Him. David expressed this truth in Psalm 51:17.

3. Our WILL & ACTIONS Change
Repentance requires a turning away from sin, a change of lifestyle,
the ridding of any idol from the heart, tearing down any stronghold,
and removing ourselves from tempting situations.
When we begin to live life as God intends, we have repented.
Philippians 2:13.

The Danger of Drifting

It was a Monday morning years ago, and I was enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of fellowshipping with about 20 other pastors in a room provided at a local bank for this weekly meeting. With all the seriousness and load of Sunday behind us for yet another week, Monday morning was a choice time for rest and enjoyment of fellow ministers' company.
Still, it wasn't all punch and cookies, especially during the time of prayer requests and the intercession that followed. This particular session started typically, with mention made of financial need, upcoming revival services, and concerns for various ministries in the community. And then, after a minute or so of silence, one man started quietly, "The Lord has been convicting me recently about a sensitive issue in my life." He continued, "He has shown me that I love to preach about Him more than I love Him."
No one said a thing, nor moved an inch. It was one of those moments when the convicting impact of a truth is so stout that there's nothing to be said. Each of us knew it to be so in his heart, as well, and asked the Lord to increase our love for Him.

Idolatry is a sin so subtle. The leaving of our first Love begins with gentle drifting, leading to replacing Him with look-alikes that our deceived hearts don't even perceive as substitutes. Eventually, we embrace them, and, unless we repent, must endure His rod of chastening, (Heb. 12:11).

Father, may Your blessed Holy Spirit grant daily diligence in refusing to even begin to stray from Your presence and fellowship. Increase our fear of sinning against You, and strengthen our resolve to repent when we do. Reveal the idols we've allowed to receive the worship You alone deserve, and grant the grace needed to tear them from our hearts.
In the Lord Jesus' Name,
Amen.

I Can't Imagine

Father,
With the ever-deepening decadence of these days
I must trust the truth that You are in control.
From what little I see my spirit is dismayed, as
Your Word is maligned, Your people mocked,
Your Name held in contempt.
I cannot begin to imagine what You see in Your
absolute awareness; to even try prompts
amazement at Your patience,
praise for Your grace,
and gratitude for Your mercy.