We find them hidden in our disappointments.

They’re tucked away, often unseen, until something happens to make our hearts sink — then they rise up.

Our values.

Have you ever stopped to consider what yours are? Like, really pause and intentionally consider what you hold near and dear?

I think of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus asking how to be saved.

You remember what Jesus told him: “Go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21).

And how did the man respond? With eagerness and obedience?

No — “he went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Matthew 19:22).

He valued his possessions, his money, his material goods more than he valued Christ.

What threatens to get in the way of your value system?

What pushes its way in, that maybe shouldn’t be there?

Are you embarrassed by some of the things you value? Are you surprised by your reaction when certain things are taken away, and you grieve?

Sometimes this is evidence of something bigger — something like an idol of the heart.

Tim Keller has a book called Counterfeit Gods. In it, he highlights a few common idols that often sneak into our hearts and minds without us even realizing.

An idol could be anything that we desire more than God.

In the quietness of your own heart, think about what those are for you. Then ask the Lord to remove those values that you’ve placed on the pedestal where only He belongs.

This is Day 22 of 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes. For more posts in this series, click here.