What Is Modern Idolatry?
What Is Modern Idolatry? Idolatry is anything that takes God's place in your heart — money, success, relationships, pleasure, or self — and the Bible warns it is as dangerous today as ancient idol worship.
Key verse: Colossians 3:5 (KJV)
Idolatry is anything that takes God's place in your heart — money, success, relationships, pleasure, or self — and the Bible warns it is as dangerous today as ancient idol worship.
Idolatry is anything that takes God's place in your heart — money, success, relationships, pleasure, or self — and the Bible warns it is as dangerous today as ancient idol worship.
"Covetousness, which is idolatry." — Colossians 3:5 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Ancient idolatry involved bowing to carved images (Exodus 20:4-5). Modern idolatry is subtler but equally real. Colossians 3:5 equates covetousness with idolatry — wanting something so much it becomes your functional god. Jesus warned, 'Ye cannot serve God and mammon' (Matthew 6:24). An idol is anything you rely on for identity, security, purpose, or happiness instead of God. It could be a career, romantic relationship, political ideology, physical appearance, social media approval, or even family. Ezekiel 14:3 speaks of those who 'set up their idols in their heart.' The test is simple: What do you think about most? What would devastate you to lose? What do you sacrifice time and resources for? What controls your emotions? John closes his first epistle with the unexpected command: 'Little children, keep yourselves from idols' (1 John 5:21) — written to believers, not pagans, suggesting that the temptation to functional idolatry is ever-present even in the redeemed heart.
Topic Overview
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What the Bible teaches about divorce, remarriage, and God's heart for marriage.
Key Scripture References
"Covetousness, which is idolatry."
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
"No man can serve two masters... Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Idolatry?
Idolatry — placing anything above God — is the most frequently condemned sin in Scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Money and Wealth?
The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but 'the love of money is the root of all evil' — believers are called to be faithful stewards, generous givers, and to trust God rather than riches.
Are the Ten Commandments Still Relevant Today?
While Christians are not under the Mosaic Law for salvation, the Ten Commandments reveal God's moral character and remain the foundation for understanding sin and righteousness.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Colossians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Colossians on day 343 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Modern Idolatry?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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