Holy Bible Online 
Idolatry is one of the few things the Bible tells us to flee from. When anything receives the worship that only God deserves, it is idolatry. This sin is deadly serious because it distances us from God and opens us up to the influence of demons, who are the true force behind false gods.
The Bible warns us to be vigilant mainly against these types of idolatry (Other gods, Creatures, Money)— which are just as real today as they were in Bible times. Nowadays, they may look like this:
- Money & Possessions – wealth, luxury goods, material comfort
- Success & Career – status, promotions, professional reputation
- Celebrities & Influencers – actors, musicians, athletes, online personalities
- Romantic Relationships – putting a partner above God
- Family & Children – loving them more than the Giver of life
- Entertainment – TV, movies, video games, streaming
- Technology & Social Media – phones, likes, followers, online approval
- Nature & the Environment – valuing creation above the Creator
- Spiritual Fads & Mysticism – horoscopes, crystals, “manifesting”
- Self – pride, self-image, personal comfort above God’s will
Let's look at each of them in more detail.
1. Worship of Other gods
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
- Exodus 20:2-3
From ancient times, humanity has worshiped false gods instead of the one true God. From Baal to Ra, these deities were lies from the devil, designed to lure people away from the Creator.
When the Israelites were in Egypt, they were enslaved. Their exodus marked their liberation. This verse connects idolatry with slavery: worshiping other gods enslaves us, but Jesus came to free us from sin and idolatry.
Modern examples of possible idols in people's lives:
- People involved in New Age practices who pray to “universal energy” or spirit guides instead of God.
- Those following astrology or horoscopes as if the stars rule their destiny.
- Religious syncretism — mixing worship of God with the worship of saints, ancestors, or other spiritual beings.
2. Worship of Creatures
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
- Romans 1:22-23
Many people, upon seeing the wonders that God created, fall into the error of worshiping the creation instead of the Creator. Worshiping nature, the earth, the stars, or other people is all idolatry. Even the most beautiful, intelligent, and kind person in the world pales in comparison to our wonderful God!
Idolatry toward beings created by God is folly. The Bible teaches that this idolatry occurs when people reject God and become foolish. Believing that creation can become like the Creator is madness, yet many people think it is possible. Nothing can take the place of our true God.
Modern examples of this kind of idolatry:
- Extreme environmentalism that treats the earth itself as divine rather than as God’s creation.
- Celebrity worship — where people devote more passion, time, and attention to entertainers, influencers, or athletes than they do to God.
- Obsession with pets to the point of elevating them above God in affection and devotion.
3. Worship of Money
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
- Colossians 3:5
Greed is also idolatry. Those who focus solely on money are worshiping it. This type of idolatry is a natural temptation from our sinful nature, which must be actively resisted.
In this verse, greed is listed alongside all kinds of impurities. The love of money is as dangerous as sexual immorality. Just as adultery is a betrayal of one’s spouse, idolatry is a betrayal of our covenant with God.
Modern examples:
- Choosing a career path solely for income, with no concern for how it affects one’s relationship with God.
- Sacrificing family, health, or spiritual life in pursuit of business success.
- Obsessive pursuit of luxury goods, brands, or status symbols as life’s main goal.
The Solution to Idolatry
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
- Deuteronomy 6:5
The only way to avoid all forms of idolatry is by fully dedicating yourself to God. When God is your top priority, there simply isn’t room for idols in your life. True love for God breaks the chains of idolatry, and that power comes through Jesus. If you genuinely love God with everything you are, you will conquer idolatry! It’s not just about avoiding the bad; it’s about passionately pursuing the good. Make that commitment, and watch how it transforms your life!
Love God with all that you are, and you will overcome idolatry!
For more interesting studies you can read Bible Study Lessons Organized by Theme.