Tags: modern idolatry, idols in the Bible, glory of God, false gods, spiritual distractions, King James Version
Idolatry, in its rawest form, is the act of giving to something or someone else what rightfully belongs to God alone—worship, trust, and glory. In the Old Testament, idols were often physical objects—graven images, golden calves, and carved statues.
But in our modern time, idolatry has become more subtle, more accepted, and even celebrated. The essence, however, remains the same: it is anything that steals the glory of God and captivates the human heart in place of the Almighty. Using the King James Bible (KJV) as our guide, let us explore how the idols of today compare to those of the past and how we can guard our hearts against these spiritual thieves.
1. The Definition of an Idol in Scripture
The Bible is clear in its condemnation of idolatry. The very first commandment God gave Moses was:
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…” (Exodus 20:3–4, KJV)
An idol, by definition, is anything placed before God. It need not be made of stone or wood. It can be an idea, a relationship, a career, or even self. In the Old Testament, the people worshipped Baal, Ashtoreth, and Molech—false gods that demanded sacrifices and allegiance. In our time, we no longer bow to these ancient names, but we have simply renamed them—fame, wealth, self-expression, and pleasure.
2. Idols of the Past: Physical but Powerless
The idols of ancient times were visible, handcrafted objects. The people knew they were worshipping an object, often in the shape of animals or humans. Isaiah mocked the absurdity of idolatry:
“They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand… they fall down and worship it” (Isaiah 44:18–19, KJV)
These idols had eyes but could not see, ears but could not hear. Yet, people attributed divine power to them. Worshipping idols in biblical times often led to immorality, violence, and injustice.
3. Idols of the Present: Invisible but Powerful
Modern idols are more dangerous precisely because they are harder to detect. They don’t come with shrines and incense but with likes, shares, promotions, and applause. One of the most deceptive idols of our time is self.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…” (2 Timothy 3:1–2, KJV)
Self-idolatry is now encouraged through social media and the culture of self-love. We are told to “follow your heart,” but the Bible says:
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV)
Another modern idol is wealth and materialism. Money has taken the place of trust that belongs to God.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil…” (1 Timothy 6:10, KJV)
People pursue careers not for the glory of God but for status, comfort, and recognition. Even ministry can become an idol when done for personal gain or applause.
4. The Idol of Entertainment and Pleasure
The modern world offers endless distractions: Netflix, video games, concerts, and the pursuit of pleasure. While entertainment itself is not sin, it becomes idolatrous when it robs us of time with God and dulls our spiritual hunger.
“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19, KJV)
Many Christians are more familiar with celebrities than Scripture, more emotionally invested in sports teams than in the souls of the lost. We may not offer burnt offerings, but we offer our time, attention, and affection on the altar of pleasure.
5. The Idol of Relationships and Human Approval
Jesus warned about the danger of prioritizing even family over Him:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…” (Matthew 10:37, KJV)
In today’s world, people are tempted to compromise truth to preserve relationships. Many Christians stay silent on moral issues for fear of being “canceled.” This reveals an idol of human approval.
“For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43, KJV)
Relationships are a gift, but when they come before God’s truth, they become idols that steal His glory.
6. Technology and the Idol of Control
Smartphones, AI, and digital tools offer us a false sense of power and omniscience. We no longer ask God—we Google. We trust algorithms more than divine guidance. The idol of control is seductive because it promises independence from God.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5, KJV)
Technology can be a tool for good, but it must remain a tool—not a master.
7. Why Idolatry Steals God’s Glory
God alone is worthy of glory because He alone is the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of life. He will not share His glory with another:
“I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8, KJV)
When we idolize anything else, we are robbing God of the glory He deserves. This is spiritual theft—and it leads to judgment.
8. How to Identify and Destroy Modern Idols
Here are a few spiritual heart checks:
- What occupies your thoughts the most?
- What are you unwilling to surrender to God?
- What do you turn to for comfort instead of prayer or Scripture?
To destroy idols, we must return to wholehearted worship.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” (1 John 5:21, KJV)
The solution is not legalism but love—when we love God supremely, idols lose their grip.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart…” (Matthew 22:37, KJV)
Conclusion: Return the Glory to Whom It Belongs
Idolatry is not a relic of ancient history. It’s alive and well, dressed in modern attire, capturing hearts and stealing glory from the One to whom it is due. As believers, we must open our eyes, examine our lives, and cast down every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5, KJV).
The fight against idolatry is the fight to give God His rightful place—as King, as Lord, and as the ultimate treasure of our hearts. Let us not be guilty of robbing God of His glory, but rather, let us be found worshipping Him in spirit and in truth.
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory…” (Psalm 115:1, KJV)
0 Comments