What is your idol?

The word “idol” comes from the Greek word eidolon, meaning “appearance, reflection in water or in a mirror.” An idol is simply the reflection in stone, wood, or metal of the person who hand-made that idol. The Bible consistently condemns the making or worshipping of idols, starting with the second of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” (Exodus 20:4-5)

We often think of idolatry as an ancient practice of worshiping gods, which makes it easy to overlook the idols in our own lives. However, idolatry isn’t just about bowing down to golden statues. It’s much broader than that. Here’s a helpful definition: an idol is anything or anyone that becomes more important to us than God. The Bible says in Exodus 20:3-5, “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”

By that definition, even good things can become idols when we make them the ultimate things in our lives. Anything or anyone can become an idol if we place more value on them than on God. Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In ancient times, idolatry might have looked like bowing down to worship a golden statue. That’s certainly a form of idolatry, as seen in Daniel 3:18 where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to the golden image. Modern-day idolatry looks different but it’s still common. Remember, anything that becomes more important to us than God is an idol. And if we’re honest, that list is pretty long. 1 John 5:21 says, “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”

Idolatry looks very different today compared to the past. Back then, idols were often statues and figures. Nowadays, they can take many forms. Idolatry is really an issue of the heart, and it can only be fixed by a change in our hearts.

I have been blessed to work in the retail industry. I have been in sales, merchandising, management, and ownership, and when it comes to human behavior, well, let’s just say there is a lot of “idol worship.” I remember selling Nike Air Jordans in 1988, and we couldn’t keep them in the store. Why? Was it a magical shoe? No, Michael Jordan was playing his best for the Chicago Bulls, and people wanted these cool shoes! These shoes were so desired that there were youth killed over them, just to get the shoes. Yes, it’s a great shoe with advanced technology and superb color choices—and limited runs—but I suspect this was more about the “icon/idol worship” of Jordan. In fact, the brand Jordan has created is a cultural icon. These shoes cost upwards of $100+ in 1988, unheard of pricing at that time, yet they would sell out.

Over the past few decades, mankind has been busy creating various objects and people to become idols. In fact, we have created the show “American Idol.” Some items that might be considered idols today include work, technology, phones, and image. And we are not just about worshipping a statue. What about famous people such as Taylor Swift, Madonna, Cher, Kobe Bryant, Aaron Judge, Snoop Dogg, and even President Trump? Yes, Donald Trump is becoming an idol for many. He is even creating some idol worshippers by selling his Trump sneakers starting at $200 a pair up to $500 a pair, and if sneakers aren’t your thing, he has watches! Trump watches start at $1200 and go up to $100,000 each! Now, before it looks like I am picking on our future president, what about the cost to see Taylor Swift? I just looked up a concert in NOLA, and tickets start at $1300 each!

So, let me step on a bunch of toes… ready? For all of you fans that love to complain about your favorite sports team, rock star, store, car brand, clothing brand, etc., you complain, but yet proudly display your trinkets, the logos, and more wherever you go. When you spend thousands to see a person in concert or attend a World Series or Super Bowl, you are just feeding into the machine of idol building. Many of these stars, athletes, and billionaires don’t even have a clue about how the average person lives and how hard they work to take care of their families, let alone care about your complaints. Why? Because you complain and then turn around and hand them fists full of cash.

Speaking of spending money, how many of us rush to get the latest cell phone, the newest edition of a purse, or the trendiest ball cap? What about all the new car technology? And let’s not forget about the countless athletes with their names on everything from shoes and shirts to equipment. Now, let me be clear. I see nothing inherently wrong with any of this, as long as we keep things in perspective. But that’s where the problem often lies. Many of us struggle to maintain this balance. I know men and women who have countless pairs of shoes, purses, hats, and even cars. These things can become distractions—”idols.” The activities we engage in can also become idols. Work can become an idol, playing sports can become an idol. If something distracts you enough that it becomes more important than God, that is the issue.

What about those who don’t believe in God? Can something still be an idol? I say yes. Anything that causes distractions from living a balanced life can be an idol worship issue. Maybe your love of work is impacting your family—work is your idol. Maybe the time you spend playing video games or games on your phone is affecting your family and relationships—gaming is becoming an idol. Maybe you collect lawn ornaments to the point that your yard looks cluttered—this collecting becomes an idol. Maybe you spend a lot of money each year to have the most current cell phone—that cell phone is an idol. Don’t let the things of this world distract you; when we die, we all leave with the same amount of stuff—nothing. Don’t let your love for things or your love for famous people distract you from what is most important—the people around you.

Thanks for stopping by the fire,

Coach Dennis