The Fire on the Wrong Altar: Reclaiming Worship in an Idolatrous Age
- Herbert Berkley
- Jul 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 16
“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts…” — Ezekiel 14:3, ESV
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21, ESV
1. Common Ground – Everyone Tends an Altar
The Fire Never Stops Burning
All of us are worshipers. We may not bow to golden statues, but we kneel in subtle ways. We may bow to:
Affirmation
Money
Technology
Success
Escape
Your heart is not neutral; it’s an altar. The fire is always burning on it. The only question is what or who you're sacrificing to.
“You shall have no other gods before me.” — Exodus 20:3, ESV
2. Illustration – The Analogy of the Inner Fire
Picture your heart as a sacred place. Every day, whether you know it or not, you carry wood to the altar of your desires. The fire consumes what you lay on it. This is the biblical image of worship: Not just singing, but sacrifice. Not just attending, but offering.
“They have set up idols in their hearts and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces.” — Ezekiel 14:3, ESV
3. Comparison One – Pleasure as Fire
Misguided Delight Becomes Destruction
Pleasure isn’t sinful. God designed joy. However, when we chase it outside of God’s boundary, it becomes a consuming flame.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” — Psalm 16:11, ESV
Right pleasure in the right place brings life.
Pleasure enthroned as god burns identity, relationships, and convictions.
4. Comparison Two – Entertainment as Fire
What Should Restore Can Numb
Entertainment can refresh the soul. But in excess, it doesn't feed your spirit; it starves it.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV
You don’t need to cancel Netflix. However, if you’re turning to screens instead of the Spirit, you’ve lit the wrong fire.
5. Comparison Three – Money as Fire
A Good Servant, A Cruel Master
Money is a tool in the Kingdom. But it was never meant to be your god.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” — 1 Timothy 6:10, ESV
When money drives your choices,
When giving becomes painful,
When generosity dies…
Your wallet has become an altar, and the fire is taking more than it gives.
6. Comparison Four – Technology as Fire
From Tool to Throne
Phones were made to serve us. Now they define us.
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful... I will not be dominated by anything.” — 1 Corinthians 6:12, ESV
What began as connection ends as addiction.
What started as a platform becomes a prison.
We don’t check our phones; we worship through them.
7. Comparison Five – Career as Fire
When Identity Is Burned for Achievement
Work was meant to reflect the image of a working God.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” — Colossians 3:23, ESV
But when success becomes salvation, you’ll sacrifice your health, your Sabbath, and your soul—all for applause that never lasts.
8. Comparison Six – Politics as Fire
When We Place Hope in Power Instead of a King
Politics matter. But policy cannot save your soul.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33, ESV
You may vote. You may advocate. But if your hope rises or falls with a party, you’ve given your worship to a false kingdom.
9. Comparison Seven – Discouragement as Fire
When Pain Becomes a Place of Worship
It’s okay to be discouraged. However, it’s not okay to be defined by it.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul... Hope in God; for I shall again praise him.” — Psalm 42:5, ESV
Pain can either point you to Jesus
Or pull you into isolation and self-worship.
When despair has your whole vision, you’ve surrendered the altar of hope.
10. The True Idol: Self
Each of these things is a shadow. Behind every idol is self-worship:
My pleasure.
My success.
My control.
My pain, my validation, my name.
“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God... they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” — Romans 1:21, 25, ESV
11. Call to Action – Repentance and Reordering
What Is on Your Altar Today?
This isn’t a call to reject money, pleasure, or work. It’s a call to reorder your fire.
Take these steps:
Name the altar you’ve built: What are you sacrificing too much for?
Repent: “Lord, I have given my fire to lesser things.”
Relinquish control, identity, and performance.
Rekindle the altar of Christ. He alone is worthy.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” — Matthew 22:37, ESV
12. Invitation – From Ashes to Restoration
Jesus came to reclaim your fire. He stood in your place. He became the offering. He gave Himself to the flame of wrath—so that your altar could burn with grace.
Today, come forward:
If your heart is divided.
If your fire is out.
If your worship has been misplaced.
Kneel. Repent. Be restored. Christ doesn’t just expose idols; He replaces them with His presence.
13. Closing Benediction – Worship Reclaimed
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21, ESV
You were made to burn—but not for money, not for fame, not for control. You were made to burn for the glory of God. Let the fire fall again—but this time, on the right altar.
14. The Importance of Reclaiming Worship
Why This Matters
In today’s world, reclaiming worship is crucial. Idolatry can creep in unnoticed, leading us away from true devotion. Understanding what we prioritize helps us realign our focus.
The Journey of Restoration
Restoration is a journey. It requires intentionality and honesty. We must examine our hearts and identify what we truly worship. This process leads to deeper faith and a more fulfilling relationship with God.
Embracing the Right Fire
Embracing the right fire means choosing to worship God above all else. It involves daily decisions that reflect our commitment to Him. When we prioritize God, everything else falls into place.
Conclusion
Reclaiming worship is not just a personal journey; it’s a communal one. As we encourage one another to focus on the right altar, we build a stronger community of faith. Let us support each other in this endeavor, ensuring our worship is directed toward the one true God.
