Getting Real About the Things We Can’t Live Without
Let’s talk about idolatry—but not in the ancient sense of statues and shrines. Idolatry is still very much a part of everyday life, and it’s something we all deal with, whether we’re aware of it or not.
The Inevitable Truth: We All Worship Something
Here’s a bold idea: according to the first of the Ten Commandments, God tells the people, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2-3). This doesn’t just mean “don’t pray to statues”; it means that every single person will end up worshiping “something”. It might be a career, family, money, approval, or even yourself. We’re wired to look for something to give our lives meaning and value. There’s no neutral ground—if we’re not looking to God, we’ll build up something else in His place.
What Exactly Is an Idol?
In simple terms, an idol is anything that becomes more important to you than God. If there’s something you believe you must have to be happy or feel “enough,” that thing is acting as your idol—even if it’s not a bad thing in itself! Idols aren’t necessarily “bad” stuff. In fact, they’re often good things we turn into ultimate things: a successful career, a happy family, money, good looks, social status, romance, or being seen as a good person by others. These things take the top spot in our hearts and lives, shaping our choices, thoughts, and priorities.
How Do Idols Show Up in Our Lives?
Idolatry is sneaky. It’s about what captures your heart and imagination—what you daydream about, what you can’t stop thinking of, what you’d be devastated to lose. It’s what drives you, what you depend on when everything else feels shaky. Maybe it’s your job, your children, your friends, or even your own sense of independence and accomplishment.
Think about it: what do you find yourself constantly worrying about, or working for, or needing approval from? That’s a good place to look for your “functional idol”—what you rely on day to day to feel okay.
Why Do We Make Idols?
Romans 8 (in the Bible) talks about how our minds are set on something—either “the flesh” (meaning things other than God) or “the Spirit” (meaning God Himself). Whatever you focus your life around will shape who you are and how you feel about yourself.
Making idols isn’t just about wanting bad things; it’s about taking good things and making them the most important thing. When we do that, those things start to “rule” us. We serve them, even if we don’t realize it, and our happiness rises and falls with them.
The Big Question: Who or What Is Really in Charge?
David Powlison, a counselor and author, put it like this: “Has something or someone besides Jesus the Christ taken title to your heart’s trust, preoccupation, loyalty, service, fear, and delight?” In other words, what really runs your life? Who or what is calling the shots in your decisions, your hopes, and your fears?
More Than Just Personal—It’s Cultural
Idolatry isn’t just an individual thing—it’s also social. Whole communities or cultures can make “ultimate” things out of family, success, feelings, tradition, nation, race, science, or group identity. When something other than God becomes the foundation of who we are, both as people and as groups, that’s idolatry too.
How to Recognize Your Own Idols
– Ask yourself: What do I feel I absolutely need to be happy or feel secure?
– Where does my mind go when I have nothing else to think about?
– What, if lost, would make life feel not worth living?
– What do I consistently sacrifice time, energy, or money for?
– Whose approval do I most crave?
If the answer to any of these isn’t God, there’s a good chance you’ve found one of your idols.
What To Do About It?
The first step is simply to recognize what’s taken God’s place in your heart. The good news is, you don’t have to get rid of the good things in your life—you just need to put them in the right order. Let God be the foundation, and let everything else be what it’s supposed to be: a gift, not a god.
In the end, idolatry is all about where you put your deepest trust, hope, and love. We’re all worshipers; the only question is, what— or who— are we worshiping?
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 