Here Are Your Idols

From Favoritism to Faithfulness: Keeping God First

Introduction

Thought Exercise: Fill in the blanks:

“If God asked me to do _____, I wouldn’t do it.”

“If God asked me to give up _____, I wouldn’t give it up.”

“I would never, ever do _____, even if it was for God.”

These statements expose areas where we may be placing something above God—including family.

How to avoid making family an idol:

I. Prioritize Faith Over Family (Genesis 25:28, 27:1-4) – Avoid Partiality

Ø  Isaac loved Esau, and Rebekah loved Jacob.

Favoritism fractures faith and families.

Isaac and Rebekah each placed their preference over God’s plan.

Application: Love your family without letting loyalty replace lordship.

Matthew 10:37 – “The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”

Ø Action Step: Treat each family member with Christlike love, not favoritism.

II. Practice Integrity in Every Interaction (Genesis 27:5-29) – Avoid Pretense

Ø Rebekah and Jacob deceived Isaac to steal Esau’s blessing.

Mistrust leads to manipulation.

When we try to force outcomes instead of trusting God, we compromise integrity.

Illustration: In 2019, Lori Laughlin’s family was among many privileged families charged with bribery of college admissions offices. Laughlin and her husband spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to get their children into the University of Southern California (Mark Morales and Dankin Andone, “Lori Laughlin Sentenced to 2 Months in Prison in College Admissions Scam. Her Husband, Mossimo Giannulli, Got 5 Months,” CNN, August 21, 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/21/us/lori-loughlin-sentencing-college-admissions-scam/index.html). How might this be an act of idolatry? Anytime a person goes outside the law to take what they desire, rather than trusting in God to provide all they need, they have begun to serve something or someone other than God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will direct your paths.”

Action Step: Choose honesty over human schemes.

III. Promote Peace in Family Relationships (Genesis 27:30-46) – Avoid Poison

Ø Esau’s anger grew into a lifelong grudge; Jacob fled in fear.

Bitterness breeds brokenness.

When we prioritize winning over wisdom, relationships suffer.

Application: Seek reconciliation over revenge in family conflicts.

Romans 12:18 – “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Ø Action Step: Forgive freely and pursue peace instead of division.

IV. Place God Above Every Relationship – Avoid Possession

Ø Rebekah’s control over Jacob cost her a lifetime with him.

She held on too tightly and lost what she tried to protect.

Application: Your family is a gift to steward, not a god to serve.

Deuteronomy 6:5 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

Ø Action Step: Surrender your family to God’s will rather than clinging to control.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Do you prioritize faith over family?

Are you walking in integrity within your household?

Is peace a priority in your family relationships?

Have you fully surrendered your loved ones to God?