A crucial aspect of following Jesus is getting rid of idols. To do that, we first need to understand what  idols are. Idols are objects or images created to represent God (Yahweh) or to replace Him, and it involves the act of showing deep devotion, reverence, adoration, and faithfulness to these substitutes.
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1 Corinthians 10:14 (ESV)

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
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If we make an idol of any creature, wealth, or pleasure, or honour – if we place our happiness in it, and promise ourselves the comfort and satisfaction in it which are to be had in God only – if we make it our joy and love, our hope and confidence, we shall find it a cistern, which we take a great deal of pains to hew out and fill, and at the best it will hold but a little water, and that dead and flat, and soon corrupting and becoming nauseous.

- Matthew Henry
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Hebrews 12:1-2 - (NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Have you ever had moments when you felt self-conscious about your appearance? I mean, truly. Maybe there was a specific action you took, and it made you feel a bit awkward, like you didn't look quite right. It's an uncomfortable feeling, right? Trying to avoid looking funny can be challenging. In our efforts to conform to standards that aren't defined by God, we sometimes lose the very uniqueness that makes us special. We attempt to be something we're not, and we end up comparing ourselves to others, which ultimately leads to us being inauthentic. Often times we fear man and not God - we live by what "THEY" tend to think and not according to how God thinks.

Here is an honest statement:

You will never look more funny than when you are trying to be someone else! (story of Wayne picking boogers; friend did the same thing)

Why do we feel the need to be someone we are not?

I think this is because we may not fully grasp the profound love that God has for us and the incredible beauty of the people He has created us to be.

Acts 4:36-37 - (NLT)

For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Acts 5:1-11 - (NLT)

But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.” And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.

The biggest idol to be killed is...

KILL COMPARISON

2 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV)

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.

COMPARISON IS THE DRUNK DRIVING OF YOUR CALLING

(Intoxicated and Impaired by what someone has or is doing to the point you take your eyes off of Jesus)

Everyone is running a marathon but the course is different for each one

   • We tend to look at others when we are on incline and wonder why they are not. We think we did something wrong, messed something up, or missed God.

       • Their incline isn’t at the same time yours is. Their scenery looks different but we all have obstacles along the way.

COMPARING PARALYZES YOUR UNIQUE GIFTING AND CALLING

James 3:16 (NLT)

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

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