Beware of Idolatry By Babatunde Olugboji
In the Bible, idolatry refers to the adoration of anything or anyone other than the one true God. This practice is deemed a sin in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, idolatry mainly pertains to the worship of tangible idols or images crafted from wood, stone, or metal – typically symbolizing other deities. (see to Exodus 20:3–5 (10 Commandments); Deuteronomy 27:15) 
Instances of idolatry in the Old Testament include the golden calf (Exodus 32) and the later years of King Solomon, during which he erected altars for foreign gods (1 Kings 11). God consistently denounces idolatry as a form of spiritual infidelity, frequently employing the metaphor of adultery to illustrate Israel’s connection with false gods.
In the New Testament, the concept of idolatry is expanded to encompass anything that occupies the position of God in an individual’s heart—not limited to mere statues. (See to Colossians 3:5; 1 John 5:21; Romans 1:22–25)
Contemporary Expressions of Idolatry or today’s “Golden Calves” include:
1. Money and Materialism: The veneration of wealth, possessions, lifestyle, or financial stability (Matthew 6:24). Warning signs: Persistent anxiety regarding finances, making significant life choices based solely on income, and sacrificing family or faith for career progression.
2. Success and Achievement: Elevating status, titles, or accomplishments as your primary source of identity. Warning signs: Experiencing feelings of worthlessness in the absence of achievements; neglecting relationships or ethical standards to ascend further.
3. People and Relationships: Elevating another individual (spouse, child, mentor, romantic partner) above God. Warning signs: Compromising personal beliefs to maintain someone’s happiness; requiring their approval to feel complete.
4. Self and Identity: Becoming overly fixated on one’s appearance, self-image, or personal “truth.” Warning signs: Valuing the notion of being “true to yourself” more than adhering to God’s Word.
5. Technology and Entertainment: Being consumed by your phone, social media, video games, binge-watching, etc. Warning signs: Inability to sometimes do away with your phone; spending more time on screens than in prayer or engaging with Scripture.
6. Politics and Ideology: Viewing political identity or ideology as a replacement for a savior or moral guide. Warning signs: Being more emotionally invested in political achievements than in spiritual ones; vilifying those who hold differing opinions.
7. Religion Itself: Elevating church traditions, leaders, or the act of “doing good” above authentic worship of God. Warning signs: Prioritizing theology over God; adhering to rules without experiencing heart transformation.
How to Recognize Idolatry in Your Own Life
Ask yourself:
• What do I fear losing the most?
• What do I depend on for security, identity, or happiness?
• What occupies my thoughts when there is nothing else to consider?
• What do I invest the most in – time, money, energy?
Whatever your sincere responses may be – that could be your idol.
How to Protect Against Idolatry
• Daily realignment: Request God to “search your heart” (Psalm 139: 23–24).
• Practice surrender: Present your desires to God each day.
• Establish rhythms of worship: Prayer, Scripture, community, and rest help to refocus your heart.
• Cultivate contentment: 1 Timothy 6: 6 “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
The true God, the Elohim, our creator, our sustainer, in whom we live, in whom we breath, in whom we have our being is more than enough. We don’t need nothing else. We certainly don’t need idols, whatever they may be.
Have a great week!
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