3 Signs You Are Idolizing Relationships and Marriage: God Won't Bless You With An Idol

[@adelineproverbs3139]

I needed this. I'm guilty of idolizing relationships but the Lord convicted me about it. That's why I'm learning to enjoy my singleness and if I never have a mate, I know God knows best.

[@trishawhitehouse4226]

Enjoy it sister, to the fullest! No matter what, because you love Jesus and follow Him, your life will be awesome!

[@LongAwaitedBaby]

Adeline Proverbs31 yep, God knows best. It is better to be single than to be with someone who is not right for you.

[@bradparchutz2573]

Wow praise the Lord for your attitude. That’s a great place to be with the Lord! Keep staying faithful !

[@sabrinah6827]

Adeline Proverbs31 same!!

[@hooballoolify]

How does an introverted person make the time to meet people when my job is totally demanding? I'm tired of being mentally and physically exhausted when I get home.

[@coletteelyse5762]

Whatever you idolize in your heart, God will withhold from you. Praying God changes my intention to go from attracting a man to pleasing him, not so he can bless me but so I can learn to glorify him in everything.

[@catherineattong5274]

Great word. Just 2 days ago while praying, God revealed to me that I have made my husband an idol. All I could do was accept what He told me and now return to my first love. The one true and living God.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Amen, when we repent of idolatry we are free to enjoy the gift the way God intends :)

[@leviackerman6678]

ApplyGodsWord.com/Mark Ballenger hello friend, I have the dream to become an Ilustrator, but drawing has turned into an idol (it’s really my dream to be an ilustrator), will I need to quit drawing forever because I have made it into an idol? How should I preceed my brother? I really want to serve Christ with my illustration career not draw cursed stuff (soaked in Idolatry), I’ve watched videos from pastors like “Tim Conway” who told me storyes about people who had idolatrous relationship with physical exercises, and I really don’t know what to do, I’ve quited drawing for about 4 months because of this, It’s sad to see that ,due to lack of training, my abilities to draw are getting weacker, I really want to draw, It’s my passion, but can I just kill the “idol” not the drawing or I got to stop drawing forever in order to kill it? Christ says we should die to self everyday, I’ve never felt so dead like now before.

[@JimJin2010]

Marriage is the covenant from God. Not sure if you want to put Gods signature on divorce.

[@anmcvey311]

@@JimJin2010 I don't think she meant that she left her husband. Marriage is a gift from God, but it's not meant to be placed BEFORE God. She gave first priority back to God, and now she can truly love and enjoy her husband in a new way, not as an idol.

[@paige7684]

@@leviackerman6678 I thought I would answer this question with the information you provided. Your case may be different but If drawing is for a means of income for you, then it is not wrong to invest in it as you would a job, but don't obsess over it where it affects your time with God. To give you an idea, the average time people work(and get paid) a day is 8-9 hours, 5 days a week.

[@EBThisThat]

It's hard because I lost my dad and both my parents are with God. I love God but I pray that God brings me a Godly man. I know He loves me but I become extremely lonely with my friends having their own lives with their own families. Please pray for me. I'm doing a lot better than I did last year but I really want a family.

[@SincerelyKezzy]

Alchymyst 02 God knows the desires of your heart and He cares for you so don't worry love your blessing is coming.

[@debrahogan7638]

#roseofsharon Get involved in the places that a likeminded man would go such as a ministry at church, it will also help you to keep busy and feel good about helping others

[@johnsong9429]

Pray to God to help you spend time with him in your prayer closet, private time with him

[@A127-i3x]

I wish we could become good friends

[@christianphiwatpongpaisarn2340]

I already prayed for you, darling. This is what I faceing also :) and I do believe that you gonna get a good person who can make the family in your dream come true ! God bless you, RoseofSharon

[@Jredman9]

I idolized a relationship so badly that God corrected strongly and He kept speaking to me “I Am the Lord your God and beside me there is no other”,! It took me years to figure out why He kept telling me that because I was so focused on my exhausting, halted idol of a relationship!

[@happygal1974]

I am in your same shoe which I didn't realise it. When I found out my ex happily have a new found beau whom he is loving, I was like, why was that God give him someone during his healing process to forget me quickly while I stick to my principle, I don't want to hurt anyone before I am heal.. then I was like so unfair, but then as I am slowly healing, I realise, by not following the footstep like my ex, I didn't hurt anyone though is tough for me to walk alone in my process as I am so fearful I will end up being alone. I desire to get married as 46yrs this year, not only my mum worry about me I never want to be single 😕😕😕 I hope I have God's strength to overcome this

[@duct_tapeheart6484]

This hurt, but I appreciate it

[@diaraanderson9519]

Duct_Tape Heart I agree, but thankfully all pain isn't damaging. Meaning the truth that hurts is the truth that can make us free and gives beauty for ashes

[@FatBellyChemist1234]

Oi flip to 1 King 3:1 pray exactly what Solomon did to Father God in Jesus's name. That's what I did then when the video was playing I was so happy that I was corrected.

[@Reignaboveitall]

Same, but praise God for the conviction. It’s only to better us.

[@ussenterprise5364]

I'm guilty of this! Lord please forgive me!

[@Godistheanswerministries]

God Bless You.

[@usernotfound5935]

I'm a bad person i don't deserve blessing I guess..

[@usernotfound5935]

K but no need idk

[@kelssssk]

@@usernotfound5935 theres no such thing as a good person all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory

[@lisac2649]

I believe romantic relationships are placed in high priority in today's society. To not be in one at a certain age, can cause others to judge that person's sexuality or value as a human being. I think this is a great video that you posted. 🤗

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Amen! Thanks for the encouragement :)

[@danacetz3710]

Well put!

[@sharlenetigchelaar1670]

Iv dealt with exactly what you just said my entire adult life, Iv been in denial but Im starting to think that maybe Iv been guilty of this as well

[@LongAwaitedBaby]

Lisa C society should stop pressuring people to be in relationships. Some of us have not found the right person.

[@MsJoyce31202]

Well there's freedom in rejecting the world's standards. Bad romance will do a number on your soul so go at your own pace.

[@brandonk8948]

In order: -God -Goals -Girls

[@tesspulido]

1 Girl only ;)

[@bolt9075]

@@tesspulido he's grammatically correct, because he's not speaking to one person.

[@Dani4B]

God in everything

[@thesecond1a]

The Woman who you marries should be placed 2 then your goals should be 3rd.

[@johnlocke4670]

I never thought about Chronic Singless being a possible symptom of idolizing relationships. I've been chronically single, but I think at least for me, it's partly to do with a fear of getting hurt since I remember what it felt like to get my heart broken. I still want to be married but I want God to be in control.

[@wendyberkel4643]

Just hurts me to but i wait on God until he send me the one u go on date ppl heart must be broken to find the one but walk holy

[@austoncly3363]

My issue was my past porn I have stopped, still get these thoughts sometimes but getting more mature I right now confused on wether I want a relationship or not. I regret my past so much and I pray God helps me overcome which so far he's gotten me to stay humble I do have issues I feel with football all the time. Amen

[@dellaswanson9837]

Yeah I was surprised he said that

[@justynak7644]

i can relate.

[@justynak7644]

I was thinking it could also mean a fear of getting hurt

[@megane617]

This is a struggle. Especially when you are trying to heal from a toxic relationship with a narc. You want so bad to relieve that uneasiness with another person. Oh abba, please fill all of the empty places within me

[@wendyberkel4643]

That rigth and angry in u so just pray me i need to change my life more before i date

[@ednaa4382]

Hmmm GOD PLEASE HELP US

[@divanikki75]

This is going to be a pivotal point in my Christian walk. Idolatry is my sin. You nailed it. I totally see myself in these words. I'm so grateful for this video. Amen.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

I'm so glad you found this video helpful Nikki

[@mariannakrejniuk6858]

Idolizing means putting somebody/something on a pedestal.

[@Arcanon10]

A 19-20 year-old gets married and everyone rejoices and never thinks that the person who left singleness LITERALLY THE MOMENT THEY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY made marriage an idol. But the 30-40 year-old single who has prayed and hoped and waited on God's blessing and who dares to be honest about how much they are suffering, frustrated, and confused gets subtly accused of making marriage an idol.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Philippians 2:14

[@nelodypond9282]

Very well said! Just realized I'm guilty of doing this. Especially giving up and abandoning God's word to be in a 'relationship.' That never worked out, now I know why.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Nula Rayn all we can do is repent and keep moving forward with the Lord. Thank God for his grace!

[@mayB2real4u]

Nula Rayn wow story of my life

[@areumdapta2228]

did the same thing. tried so hard to work it out. but really it's never gonna work. it was doomed to fail at the beginning. it breaks my heart now that it's over. but I know, what happened is a blessing.

[@justinnewman8574]

Nula Rayn take it from me. My name is Justin. I once had a relationship for 9 years. I tried to work it out no light in that tunnel. Wait for it for gods plan.

[@Quoteablemoments]

This was so helpful...I have idolized relationships in the past. Repent, put God first in my heart. I am doing the work right now

[@SherryVasquez97]

What if you did date always but now you have a godly man that you are about to be his wife ?

[@Sksksksnsbj98829]

I'm guilty of this. I'm very interested in someone to the point where he was the only thing that could make me happy. Everything between me and this guy has gone wrong. It got to the point where I started to get into tarot, new age, and obsession. He rejected me, threatened me, and broke my heart to the point of suicide attempts. I've realized that I made him an idol and I need God to save me🙏

[@eve3363]

Praying for you. God will heal you. Just keep praying and have unwavering faith in Jehovah God.

[@cookies4582]

Oh Lord conviction after conviction after conviction

[@jesuschristsavesfromhellst4432]

Its good though. I think that if you feel after you realise a person you may be thinking about could be making you put more thought in them then into God, being aware it may be idolatry is important. I see pride and idolatry are 2 sins people need to be more aware of as they are always in our path in most things we do in life

[@chongpymisao4830]

Brother Mark, recently discovered you in youtube n i love it . Im nearing 40. Pliz pray for me for a godly man ... fr india

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

So great to hear from you! God bless, and I just prayed that God would bring you a godly man.

[@chongpymisao4830]

Brother mark, wow.... u made my day .. it is 7.16 am here in india . Gud morning...mark, im tired of suffering frm lack of finances . Pliz pray for breakthru in my finances n favors... i want to settle abroad with a godly n rich man . My heart's desire is to help d poor especially orphans

[@sweetlove3391]

Hi sister from India. Why do you need your man to be rich? What if he is poor and loves you and God very much? "Take delight in the Lord" (first!), "and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 When you put God first, your desires will match with His desires!

[@chongpymisao4830]

Sweet love , im being specific of wat i want coz i hv been poor all my life n my heart desire is to help d poor especially children wit no parents. I dont wat a rich man to hv a good life . I want a rich man blessed by God to help d poor .. this is wat i mean sister sweet . Thank q for d encouragement .. god bless u

[@rtr4342]

+Chongpy Misao you cant serve God and money in the same time and if you think you "need" money -that could be a lack of faith

[@amimms5153]

I was one that NEVER went on a date and NEVER wanted to go out because I've seen so much of the wrong approaches by Christians to Christian and non-Christians on the dating scene. I stayed away. However, this was not do to fear, this was in preserving myself to receive my husband! We cannot just open ourselves up to just anyone. We must open our hearts to the right people. The word tells us to guard our hearts. Good video to help though. We need to stop idolizing. The devil deceives many with this sin.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

A Mimms amen, guarding your heart and walling your heart off in a tower are different. You are right, guarding the heart is biblical and right (proverbs 4:23)

[@sbentsen2714]

Oh wow I never thought of idolizing relationships by NEVER going on dates, wow this is totally me 🙁 aw man that’s rough. The last two I’m guilty of. Thank you for sharing the truth bro, much appreciated! God is good.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

So glad this video was helpful Steven!

[@wendybatista5615]

I dint really understand the part mark said about idolizing cause we Dont go on dates

[@Godfirst986]

How is that idolizing because you don't go on dates? That doesn't make sense to me at all.

[@sbentsen2714]

@@BruceJC75 very well said, thank you for sharing

[@michdanders5615]

If you can't say "amen", say, "ouch"! 😆 Definitely a timely message, Bro. God bless!

[@BettyAlexandriaPride]

Amen *and* ouch over here!

[@RobertHunter-zr8gt]

Thank you for this video bro. I'm a single Christian man and my desire for a wife is a struggle for me. I'm a good looking dude and active in my church, but I feel like God keeps me almost invisible to others intentionally. He knows my heart isn't aligned with Him

[@MJWife07]

This was awesome! I agree with you about obeying God and keeping God first. That is the key. Everything else will fall into place. I'm a new subscriber and I love your videos.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Beauty4Ashes so glad you found this channel and it's blessing you. God bless!

[@augustayarteh7524]

correct preach. God told us we should walk by faith not by sight.As a child of God we should renew our mind by not idolizing any thing so far. We need to obey God because obedience is better than sacrifices. More over we need to obey God , and our husbands as long as we are walking in the same faith. I am encouraging with such kind of preach to know how to obey God in our lives and relationships.

[@happygoluckyrayofsunshine8820]

I am idolizing relationships, thank you for opening my eyes to this

[@doloresochoa1366]

Wow! I didn't think that not wanting to be around a crowd could possibly be idolatry.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Certainly not all the time, but sometimes it can be if we are avoiding the crown because we fear what they think of us thus elevating them too high

[@MsJoyce31202]

It isn't, some of us aren't the crowd gathering types. I can only relate to a few people at once anyway so being in the crowd doesn't bother me but I prefer less people around me.

[@walaaali9711]

That was intense! I couldn't stop taking notes haha. I would like to share my personal reflections from your advice. This totally reminds me of parental relationships and other intimate relationships in our lives. Sometimes idolatry is overlooked with regards to obeying parents because it's put on a pedestal. I know a lot of muslims fall into that trap because of cultural hindrance. And i just realized where this applies in my life... my dad! I always thought it would be a romantic partner as you addressed but generally our idea of relationships start from our observance of our mum and dad. Forgetting that they could very well be messing up in their approach

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Thanks for sharing this Walaa Ali!

[@user-nl3uv6yz9c]

Thank you Mark. I literally bursted into tears after hearing this. I am married but I have 2 Idols in my heart Both ex. It's difficult for me but I will follow the steps. Thanks.

[@alicebythepalm_he]

I prayed to God in the morning about showing me what idolatry in relationships means and if I have committed this sin in the past. Your video popped up in the evening. Praise the Lord!

[@KM_5426]

This is so true for me, idolizing or placing relationships too high, above God & at times having disobeyed God 😔 The Lord has taken me through a very lonely season, removing everyone from my life… I can use this to make the necessary changes, repent and put The Lord back at the top, thank you for sharing!

[@Materialdemimision]

May God bless you bother in Christ. The Lord just answered my prayer regarding this topic. What a blessing you are!!!! Thank you :))) Excellent content and most of all, VERY BIBLICAL.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Thanks Cristo, glad this was helpful! God bless

[@neenpool]

Whoaaa my jaw dropped @ never dating or talking to guys can be an idol and I said don't get me together Mark! But you sure did. I knew something was off about me being NEVER talking to guys or going on dates because you're so right it has become an idol. Too much exalting the opinions of others, fear, and unworthiness under the pretense of living holy or true love waits lol. But I've grown a lot and I think I'm ready. It's just sad how the church is so aggressive about waiting for marriage and fornication but not many are teaching about how to do it with love and purity and holiness. It makes some of us feel like there's something wrong when we desire a relationship and scares us away. Your service is so needed. Thank you!

[@eleanorjordan3404]

“The fear of man brings a snare.” This helped me so much because I’m not sure I believed relationships could be idols, WHILE I was doing it...and I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get emotionally free! Pray for me as I repent and work to rightly align my life to Jesus!

[@lynyu5673]

This really hit me! I used to have a Instagram account because I was following actresses and look what they wear so I can follow also the trending clothes, shoes, lipstick, you named it the worldly things. Then just last February I just decided to deactivate my account and start reading the bible and start watching some Godly educational here on You tube. I did not realized that following actresses is idolizing. I feel so much better now! I thank God for opening my eyes and heart. Now i am more aware that Hollywood is run by satan!

[@mlester3001]

Another great video. I learned to idolize romance as a teen and God could not bless me as a result. Your insights are spot on.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

So glad it was helpful! -Mark

[@mac1111ify]

Wow!!! I thank God for you this has just helped me i was going through this I feel free now I dnt know wat I was going through until I watched your videos ...God bless

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Anne Muchiri so glad this was helpful and God bless!

[@carpenter315]

I'm fortunate to have learned I've idolized relationships. I'm now confident enough to say I put God before my relationship. Next idol I have to remove is my career.

[@ABiscuitandTea]

Woah, I never thought of the flip side, as it may be a sign of fear. That's so good! I really needed to hear that. Thank you!

[@reginaf1811]

My God... Help me put you first Lord! ❤

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Amen!

[@jenellekitson1429]

Im glad I found your Channel! Keep making these videos. God bless

[@bhupathiraj8143]

I often felt that Relationship and its status was the source of Joy or Sadness in my life. Now I am going through toughest phase of my life where I lost my parents many years back n having tough time with the Girl I loved. But God is able to restore me. I pray that relationships shouldn't be idolized in my life as well as anyones life. Thanks Brother.

[@lonewolf434]

Bhupathi Raj you got this bro. I prayed for you

[@templewebb9376]

Great video, Mark! I realized after my divorce that I had idolized my ex. I immediately repented and asked God for forgiveness.

[@edenalekssandria]

I’ve never been in a relationship because I believe it will happen when it happens. Haven’t met someone I see spending my days with. Also, I’m very independent. Sometimes I feel I would have to carry my partner mentally and emotionally and I don’t feel like I want to do that right now. I’m working on myself and my career first.

[@macmomma8283]

Edén Delgado 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏾 ♥️

[@oomybeauty]

I think it is difficult for a woman in marriage because of the curse on eve in Genesis. Very easy to let primary relationships to overgrow in our hearts. All the topics you brought up go much deeper... Even at my age, it's one thing to have a knowledge of these things - it is another thing living it out. It is a day by day by day process & looking back at my life - well... it really is God's grace & mercy out working

[@mzsonsie]

I definitely repent today for creating an idol in my mind. I didn't even know it was happening....it sneaks up on ya slowly. I didn't realize how I was serving that idol until I caught myself doing things outside of the Word of God and acting out of Character. I even was trying to invent excuses and justification for this change. (Bowing down and serving) I am so grateful for the Grace and Mercy of God that woke me up and showed me the truth about the error of my ways....leading me to repent! 🙏❤🙏 God is so Good!

[@trav7424]

My wife and i split up about 4 months ago and I was devastated. We are living together again but we’re are not back together. We are basically room mates at this point in time. I’ve still been very miserable even though God has given me promises that we are going to make it. I finally accepted today that I’ve made her an idol. I am feeling much freer now and this video confirmed that this was the case. Let go and let God. Thanks for the video.

[@_samuel_david]

Trav update?

[@devontaejordan4644]

Trav did God restore your relationship?

[@MrDuce20]

I just want to say thank you for making this video. This has giving me a new perspective on relationships and another way to improve myself while being single.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Amen, so glad this was helpful to you :)

[@je39981]

Not going on dates ? but what if I haven't encountered someone who is worthy of my quality time.

[@jamipatterson4831]

smh then you may be proud (?)

[@tommykaira3943]

Bro you just did a sermon on idolatry

[@micylaleone298]

since I was 15/16 years old. I have always want to get married and have children and I have always dreamed of my future because that was something that really would make me happy, but now I understand that God must be the source to my happiness and joy and strength, and this makes so much sence now. that I need to find my everything in God and not on earthly things and that is also why God says seek his Kingdom first and everything will be added on to you. I have been blinded again by the enemies lies!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much

[@lovelymel1585]

Man eye opener!

[@AlbertoLopez-il9ff]

I never thought about the loner aspect about idolizing. I am guilty of this. I have stayed away from relationships for the fear of "not touching one". How do I practice becomeing less distant but not swaying to the other extreme of always seeking relationships out?

[@ledmondsonsoftball50]

Mark, thank you for all these videos. I constantly watch them. This one hit home for me. I have been struggling with idolizing a relationship so badly. Even so, I had committed sexual sin with a nonbeliever almost 8 months ago and I’ve repented, but it still has a huge place in my life because I work with that person. I have thought things like trying to make him a Christian to make the situation better. I have just felt so empty and sad the past couple of months. I keep hitting the same wall. I’m scared to open up to any other person because I feel like I deep down don’t deserve a good Godly man... even though, that’s what I want. I am that person that never dates anyone. I am so scared of hurt and putting relationships at such high high priority in my life and emotions. That when I finally thought I really liked this person, it hurt to realize they’re not for me. I am not God. I cannot make someone a Christian if they do not want it. If you see this Mark, or anyone, please help me pray that God helps me fix this idolatry in my heart. I do want a relationship and it to be blessed by God and from God. I have to not idolize it. 🙏🏼 It has been so hard for me. Growing up, everyone tells you that you’re beautiful and you must have a boyfriend. It’s a lot of pressure. I’ve been hurt so badly in the past by a guy. So I want a relationship, but I also have my wall built so high up. Sometimes I do not think anyone can even see me. In that last relationship, I idolized my boyfriend. I just want to do relationships the way that God intended. I have to relive this heavy pressure of relationships in my life.

[@GloryThruHarmony]

Omg I relate to every single word of this! I've just come out of a very similar situation and have been feeling the same. I'm praying for us both. I hope you're well :)

[@DanielaGarcia-pk1tz]

This was a slap in the face that i absolutely needed.

[@cortneystandifer7914]

Loved this!!!!! I am so happy you posted this you answered every single question that I had in what just happened with me in a relationship. So grateful and God bless you. Definitely post more!!!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

I'm so glad this was helpful Cortney! God bless!

[@barrientos92]

Although this being an old video, I am truly idolizing relationships. I have been struggling with that sin and it’s been eating at me. I confess my sin to The Lord and let it be His will in whatever happens with me and relationships.

[@johnbugnoii]

Great advice!!! An idol is anything we obey. To be free from it, we must turn back to God, ask for forgiveness and “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

[@mannymedia6311]

That is a gem. That if I make them the source of happiness it has power to make me unhappy.

[@jaimecca6259]

Medical school was an idol for me. I surrendered it. Shoot I would not have been a great doctor and it was not what I was called to do however, it was extremely hard. It wasn’t until I removed this desire from my heart that God revealed to me what He created me for. I still think about medicine from time to time

[@thechelseachannel794]

What you said about being petrified and fearful of relationships and group settings is so me! You described my situation perfectly. I noticed for some reason I’m always scared around guys and talking to them. I avoid them. I also do the same with group settings and friends. I feel like I always need to be this perfect image in order to get what I want. So exhausting. I want a relationship but I’m so scared.

[@jesuschristsavesfromhellst4432]

Its very easy to start putting your thoughts on a relationship above God. We have to be aware of this.

[@dehsa38]

I appreciate that you reiterated that there are some who are called to be single. I believe I've learned that I was born to do so. And yet, there's this childhood friend who God seemed to say I would be with, some day; I grieved over her in adolescence. And now, God has put me into a situation where I'm inextricably near her,'geographically', but can go no further towards, or away, from her.

[@beckyhofer4328]

You are speaking truth, brother. Keep it up. I want to encourage you. There are so many that need this and I thank you for shedding light on idolatry. God bless you

[@tiffanywillis2030]

Is this why God hasn’t blessed my relationship with peace and marriage?? This is really making sense

[@kaylageorge2482]

Loved this video, it spoke truth when I most needed to hear it. I had the Lord use a mentor of mine today to convict me of putting friendships and relationships as an Idol in my life. It happened slowly and through trauma but I was unaware of just how dependent I had become on these friendships of mine. Each of the signs you spoke about if reconfigured to mean any relationships (including friends) struck deep and true to aim. Today is the day, I want to change that. This Idol has cause me unbelievable stress because of it's deep direct ties to my emotional highs and lows...I'm ready for that to stop. Thank for making this video in the general sense because it was used to help me even though my situation is probably quite different than what you had in mind when making this video.

[@m_jay5]

To rely and be dependent on them to be your sole source of love and happiness would have to be idolatry for sure, I have done just this over the last year and it has led to disasterous results. It brought out nasty insecurities, jealousy, possessiveness and even was causing me to be emotionally abusive to them without even realizing it until I got called out for it. That really caused reality to strike for me cause it was 100% spot on, I had done just that to them. These insecurities, jealousy, possessiveness have absolutely eaten me alive for putting them on a pedestal and to be dependent on them for my only source of love and happiness :( This is a very hard life lesson to learn now. To put myself in their shoes over this reversing the roles and having them use this emotional treatment on me, I can't imagine the hurt I've caused them now. I feel absolutely awful. And I pray they'll be able to recover from the trauma and emotional damage I have caused them. This is not who I want to be and I need to change. :( I need help, and most importantly to repent for doing this to them. Have now learned the very hard way you can't rely on someone to be your sole source of love and happiness and that only The Lord Himself is capable of doing that for us.

[@AngelicWhisperings]

Only just got around to watching this video but it has been coming up as 'recommended for me' for a few weeks...sometimes God does this with certain KZbin videos when He really wants me to hear the message! And I really needed to hear this 😂 It helped me identify that as much as I want to be in a relationship, I really have feared taking even small steps such as dating, due to my idolisation! Thanks for being a messenger for God, Mark!

[@curtcele1306]

Thanks Mark for your videos on this topic, I've been praying for a wife for a while now! God bless you more and more.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

👍

[@merlinsvdd]

Very informative, I am suffering from idolizing relationships, yes, my focus was on this guy in cellgroup who I went out last year. The saving grace was him telling my cellgroup leader how uncomfortable he was about me pursuing him everytime via WhatsApp or Facebook. I felt hurt that I did it to him. Made my confession about it last year and still struggling with it. With this struggle, I always ask this priest from Philippines to help get advice from. Pray for me, please! Thanks. Great advice, from this video. Gb!👌😃

[@bridgetthomas6282]

That's why we have to ask God for balance in are life and seek him with our whole heart , mind , spirit soul and body! And he will direct our path.

[@annelienmoffat6079]

I am guilty of this,please forgive me Lord and help me to focus on You!

[@nathannuurah]

Seek first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness and these things will be added to you 👍

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Amen!

[@fingers14]

Great advice never looked at it this way.Its so true!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Gavin Locke glad this was helpful :) God bless

[@strawberrychickens6849]

Brilliant teaching. Definitely under the anointing. 🙌🏼🙌🏿🙌🏻🙌🏾

[@badpiggy2403]

I never even thought about a lack of dating as potentially being idolatry as well. I’ll definitely have to pray over these things and ask God to reveal my heart to me. Thanks for sharing this!

[@anauxistential8486]

Great word. Explained perfectly why my marriage failed. Applying God's word moving forward for strength and healing.

[@diamond4367]

Thank you for sharing. For me, to be very honest, I've been struggling with this for a few years, I definitely have this problem. Sometimes I'm afraid that I won't be able to change because I've been in the cycle for so long. There are times where I'll try but I still struggle and worry about it. It's like my default is to worry about it. But then I'm reminded that like Paul said "There is no good thing in me, that is, in my flesh"(Romans 7:18), letting me know that it's in my nature to not produce anything good outside from/without God and His help. If I could ask you guys to help pray me through this that I overcome, I would really appreciate it. May God give us all the grace to move beyond this setback and struggle in our lives. ❤

[@casual720]

Wow. The second point hit me right home... Lost for words. I thought I never really wanted to date anyone prior to actual marriage, mainly because I was so busy with life, or I knew that the “perfect” person will come in the future anyway. But it was a form of idolization... Thank you for this, Mark.

[@happygal1974]

this is me for the past 20yrs, that's explained why until now, I am still single

[@georgetobey8400]

Have spent years trying to be appealing to others, forcing connections with attractive ppl, and just not knowing what I was doing and desperately seeking love and adoration. Which is why God got me sitting right by myself right now lolololol

[@diaraanderson9519]

This was so enlightening! Wow! I thank God for your ministry! May God continue to bless u beyond measure!!

[@nfgatorgal]

Dude I understand what you’re saying, and obviously no human should EVER take the place of God. But we are also allowed to feel emotions. I am 36 years old and my ex husband left my son and I 5 years ago when our son was 4 months old and we were married. I had no control over that and the Lord finally released all that resentment and pain off of me last year and even brought my ex to Him, which I never thought was going to happen. If we had never split, I never would’ve come to Christ (I was not raised religious at all). But, I have been single for a long time and I have so much done work on myself and my relationship with God. I am more than halfway through my “read the Bible in a year” plan on YouVersion. I go to a church I love every Sunday. I am raising my son to love God and we read his Children’s Bible every night. I have replaced my need for relationships with God and it has given me more love, security, and confidence than anyone else ever could. That all being said, I still want a partner in this life. I want to love someone and be loved in return. I want a man who is my best friend to go through this life together, and to be a father figure in my son’s life. I don’t NEED it, and I am happy without it, but I do want it. But God has not blessed me with the right person yet. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong or why He is making me wait even longer. I do choose to trust in His plan over mine, but it is hard and heartbreaking nonetheless.

[@amogelangmaranyane546]

Great, how enlightening! The Spirit of the Lord is at work.

[@classyme05]

He is with in us so we must seek love and happiness with in us... any outside source of happiness and love is the same one that when gone leads to sadness loneliness... taking our joy. ❤

[@josephinepagalan6519]

Yes true,sometimes we forget that we are idolizing our relationship and commited sin,but thank you God cause if we confess our sins u are faithful to forgive us.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Amen!

[@oar-N-oasis]

Helps a lot sir.. I understand that Jesus Christ first before me and, everyday I need to remind myself that truth.

[@sssttt2211]

I am happy with God that I feel complete and looking for no outsider to fill in void.

[@jacksonv1965]

You and this channel after helping me to be a more aware Christian. I loveyour videos, I find so much truth and direction. This is slowly but surely changing my life thank you.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

I'm so glad the content has been helpful Veronica! All glory to God!

[@jacksonv1965]

@@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger Amen!

[@wendyberkel4643]

I was in that same idiol relasionship with a lieing chirstain man he play me as a fool and my life was unhappy and hurts and broken again again my mind was blow out and i never do this again me and God frist and my kids and my buniess so now is me and God

[@gnatural]

God smashed an idol in my heart. I was idolizing a woman for years who was non believer that I fell in loved with and wanted her to believe but she has not yet. God cut it off and showed me how much she was in my heart to the point where i would do anything for her and make my life revolve around her. praise God for his deliverance. God first, everything else second.

[@ILOVENYCgirl]

Not enough likes to emphasize how spot on is this video! Thank you for allowing God to use you to impart His wisdom.

[@kathrynmckenna7043]

O my goodness! A1! I'm generally a very independent woman but I have lost a husband and partner through cancer. This man I grew to love rejected me and I am still not over it 9 months later! I pray to God every single day, all day for peace in my heart.

[@silas7633]

Great video, brother. Very God honoring and biblically sound. Praise the Lord.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

So glad it was helpful :)

[@scarletmartinez6137]

Praise God for his word! Thank you for letting God use you! My heart needed this! Do you have a video on how to turn from "Marriage idolatry"?

[@brendantaka7243]

God has promised me that He has a person for me (the person has taken over even though we've never met). My other problem is I keep "banging" on those closed doors and I thank the Holy Spirit for reminding me of why those doors are and will remain closed. I think I fear being alone cz even in my childhood I grew up as a neglected child even though my parents were married. Also I know people most of the time use my gentle and forgiving nature to manipulate me which at times leads me to repeating my mistakes. I am in my season of waiting and at times I feel sooo alone to an extent I would plead with God to forgive me (if I am the reason that He also neglects me).Thank you for these videos cz God is really teaching me through them.

[@xBadxDolly]

Brenda Ntaka knows that he never neglects you He hears everything ur saying !! He understands how u feel ! Know that u r never alone !! Pray until u feel peace in ur heart sing a worship song to help u feel better trust me it works God is good !!

[@chriscraig7705]

Your teachings have been a great comfort Mark and really appreciate that you don’t equivocate on God’s word. I got into a dating relationship with an unbeliever and mistakenly thought I evangelize her and now dealing with the inevitable pain from the breakup. Thanks so much!

[@xr77exo]

I haven’t dated in a long time. With that being said. I never considered the idol part. Mostly it’s because of my not being financially rich. That I believe has been my achilles’ heel. In other words, how can I attempt to have a girlfriend if I have no future financial future funds to support a family? That has been my main focus in not dating. As a man I feel the provider part of me has and must be strong. Yes, I have a job. And I’ve started my own business. I’m not financially free, yet. I’m working on it. Great message, material like this is a great help. Thanks again.

[@lorrainelopez4475]

I'm guilty of this. Recently I felt unbalanced. I have attached my happiness and validation to someone who was wrong for me. It was a disaster.

[@markhamilton7822]

Thank God for this message. This really spoke to me and was very much needed.