What to Do About Our Idols
As we’ve discussed, idolatry is not merely an Old Testament problem. And while the New Testament repeatedly warns Christians to reject idols, the higher concern for modern Christians is the risk of anything taking the place of God. Scripture makes it clear that we are to love and worship God alone, separate ourselves from distracting obsession, and guard our hearts against anything that competes with Him.
Jesus affirmed that God alone deserves worship. When Satan tempted Him, Jesus answered, “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Matthew 4:10). This establishes the foundation for a faithful life: God must have first place. Anything that receives the love, faith, or loyalty that belongs to God becomes a spiritual danger.
The apostles gave Christians direct commands concerning idolatry. Paul wrote, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). Notice that he did not tell Christians merely to tolerate it, pretend it did not exist, or see how close they could come to it. He commanded them to flee — the original Greek implies to “seek safety by flight.” For our own safety, we are to deliberately distance ourselves from practices and influences that draw us toward false worship.
Paul went on to explain why this separation matters. “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21). Christian worship and idolatrous worship are fundamentally incompatible. We belong to Christ and therefore should not participate in activities that contradict our relationship with Him.
The New Testament also broadens our understanding of idolatry. Paul instructed the Colossians to put to death sinful desires, including “covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). Idolatry can therefore involve more than bowing before a physical statue. An excessive desire for possessions, wealth, status, pleasure, or anything else can become idolatrous when it takes God’s rightful place in our lives.
John ended his first epistle with a simple but powerful command: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” (1 John 5:21). We must continually examine what we value, trust, pursue, and worship. Ask yourself: What do I prioritize daily? Are my desires competing with my love for God? Such questions help us stay alert to potential idols in our hearts.
The New Testament’s answer to idolatry is therefore both negative and positive. To please God, we must flee from idolatry, refuse participation in false worship, and pursue a loving relationship with Him. We are called to serve like Christ and give Him our complete loyalty. Remember, keeping God first is a continual journey that strengthens our faith and confidence in His guidance.
—Martin Kent Miller