Addictive behaviors such as drug or alcohol use, or even something like excessive reading or television viewing, may be used as a means of temporarily “escaping” a difficult situation or the rigors of daily life. We sometimes also turn to idols seeking solace from the hardships of life and the turmoil present in our world. Worse yet, the significant amount of time we often spend in these idolatrous pursuits leaves us with little or no time to spend with the Lord. Unfortunately, God is often shoved out of the way as we zealously pursue our idols. Yet Scripture tells us that, whatever we do, we are to “do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) and that we are to serve God only (Deuteronomy 6:13 Luke 16:13).

But many of the things we idolize can be very good, such as relationships or careers. Some of the things we idolize are clearly sinful.

An idol can be anything we place ahead of God in our lives, anything that takes God’s place in our hearts, such as possessions, careers, relationships, hobbies, sports, entertainment, goals, greed, addictions to alcohol/drugs/gambling/pornography, etc. Understanding contemporary idols can help us to understand why they prove to be such a powerful temptation. In the end, however, it doesn’t matter what empty pleasure we chase after or what idol or which false god we bow down to the result is the same-separation from the one true God. Sadly, our societies often admire those serving such idols. Some seek after comfort or a myriad of other passionate, yet empty, pursuits. Some pursue the high regard of others as their ultimate goal. Today, many have replaced the “golden calf” with an insatiable drive for money or prestige or 'success' in the eyes of the world. However, the idols of the 21st century often bear no resemblance to the artifacts used thousands of years ago. When we hear the word idol, we often think of statues and objects reminiscent of those worshiped by pagans in ancient cultures. Even then, resisting the worship of idols is a lifelong battle that is part of the Christian life (Ephesians 6:11 1 Timothy 6:12 2 Timothy 2:3). In fact, it is so powerful that only those who belong to Christ and have the Holy Spirit within them can possibly hope to resist the temptation of modern idolatry. The temptation to worship ourselves in various ways is a powerful temptation indeed. Ultimately, the answer to this question is “sin.” It is the sin nature of man that causes us to worship modern idols, all of which are, in reality, forms of self-worship.

Idols & Cons by S.S. Michaels