When we hear the word "idol," we often conjure images of ancient statues or golden calves. But for many of us, the things we worship today are far more insidious, subtly creeping into our lives and demanding our devotion. They are not always physical objects; often, they are the concepts, pursuits, or even people that take the rightful place of God in our hearts.
What Are Our Modern Idols?
Idolatry is, at its core, anything that we look to for ultimate security, significance, or satisfaction that isn't God.
Idolatry is, at its core, anything that we look to for ultimate security, significance, or satisfaction that isn't God.
Colossians 3:5 NIV Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Our modern idols are diverse and often socially acceptable. They can be:
1 Timothy 6:10 NIV For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Psalms 20:7 NIV Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
The danger of these modern idols is their subtlety. They often masquerade as "good things," making them harder to identify and even harder to release.
Why Do We Worship Them?
At the core of idolatry is a misplaced longing for something only God can provide. We are hardwired for worship, and if we don't worship God, we will inevitably worship something else.
The issue is not just external.
Ezekiel 14:3 NIV Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? (emphasis mine)
When we turn to idols, we are seeking security, comfort, and worth in things that are ultimately empty.
Jonah 2:8 NIV Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. (emphasis mine)
Our idols are worthless because they cannot save, see, hear, or walk.
Psalms 135:15-18 NIV [15] The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. [16] They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. [17] They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. [18] Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
How Can We Stop It?
Breaking free from idolatry is a continuous process that requires daily self-reflection and intentional action, precisely the kind of continuous alignment with God’s will that grounds a strong faith.
1 Corinthians 10:14 NIV Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. (emphasis mine)
Acknowledge and Confess Your Idols (Recognize):
Joshua 24:15, 23 NIV [15] But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
[23] “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
Replace with God-Centered Devotion (Re-prioritize) The empty space left by the idol must be filled with a stronger, truer devotion. Our loyalty God must be exclusive.
Exodus 20:3 NIV “You shall have no other gods before me.
Here’s the road-map for where our energy and affection should be directed.
Deuteronomy 13:4 NIV It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
By recognizing the subtle idols of our hearts and intentionally prioritizing a strong foundation in faith, we move toward the true freedom and fulfillment that only comes from worshiping the one true God.
1 John 5:18-21 NIV [18] We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. [19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. [20] We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. [21] Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. (emphasis mine)
What Are Our Modern Idols?
Idolatry is, at its core, anything that we look to for ultimate security, significance, or satisfaction that isn't God.
Idolatry is, at its core, anything that we look to for ultimate security, significance, or satisfaction that isn't God.
Colossians 3:5 NIV Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Our modern idols are diverse and often socially acceptable. They can be:
- Success and Achievement: The relentless pursuit of career advancement or recognition, where our worth becomes tied to our accomplishments rather than our identity in Christ.
- Possessions and Materialism: The belief that more stuff will bring happiness or security.
1 Timothy 6:10 NIV For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
- Relationships and Approval: Placing ultimate trust or seeking ultimate validation from a partner, family, or social media followers, rather than from God.
- Comfort and Control: Prioritizing ease and a feeling of self-sufficiency above all else, which can lead to a false sense of security in our own power, ignoring God's sovereignty.
Psalms 20:7 NIV Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
The danger of these modern idols is their subtlety. They often masquerade as "good things," making them harder to identify and even harder to release.
Why Do We Worship Them?
At the core of idolatry is a misplaced longing for something only God can provide. We are hardwired for worship, and if we don't worship God, we will inevitably worship something else.
The issue is not just external.
Ezekiel 14:3 NIV Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? (emphasis mine)
When we turn to idols, we are seeking security, comfort, and worth in things that are ultimately empty.
Jonah 2:8 NIV Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. (emphasis mine)
Our idols are worthless because they cannot save, see, hear, or walk.
Psalms 135:15-18 NIV [15] The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. [16] They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. [17] They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. [18] Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
How Can We Stop It?
Breaking free from idolatry is a continuous process that requires daily self-reflection and intentional action, precisely the kind of continuous alignment with God’s will that grounds a strong faith.
1 Corinthians 10:14 NIV Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. (emphasis mine)
Acknowledge and Confess Your Idols (Recognize):
- What consumes your thoughts when you're stressed or worried?
- Where do you spend the majority of your time, money, and emotional energy?
- What are you terrified of losing?
- Confess these areas where you have allowed an idol to take God's place.
Joshua 24:15, 23 NIV [15] But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
[23] “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
Replace with God-Centered Devotion (Re-prioritize) The empty space left by the idol must be filled with a stronger, truer devotion. Our loyalty God must be exclusive.
Exodus 20:3 NIV “You shall have no other gods before me.
Here’s the road-map for where our energy and affection should be directed.
Deuteronomy 13:4 NIV It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
By recognizing the subtle idols of our hearts and intentionally prioritizing a strong foundation in faith, we move toward the true freedom and fulfillment that only comes from worshiping the one true God.
1 John 5:18-21 NIV [18] We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. [19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. [20] We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. [21] Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. (emphasis mine)
RSS Feed