Idolatry in today’s world is the worship or prioritization of anything above God. Though modern culture may not bow to carved statues, the heart of idolatry remains: giving our devotion, trust, or obedience to someone or something other than the Lord.
Scripture warns:
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
Anything can become an idol: money, career, entertainment, relationships, success, or even ministry. Paul described this:
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
Covetousness, or the insatiable desire for more, is singled out as a form of idolatry. Jesus warned:
“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)
Modern idolatry also includes elevating personal opinion above Scripture, following cultural values over God’s truth, or relying on human systems more than divine provision. Even good things: family, service, or doctrinal precision, can become idols if they replace our devotion to God.
Paul rebuked idolatry in Acts:
“We ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising.” (Acts 17:29)
God demands exclusive worship:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
True worship means putting God first in every area of life and rejecting anything that competes with Him. Idolatry is not always obvious, but it is always dangerous, drawing hearts away from the Lord.
