True Worship Today: What Are Modern Day Idols? 

Understanding What We Really Put First in Our Lives 

In John 4:23 (VOICE), Jesus says, “Believe this: a new day is coming—in fact, it’s already here—when the importance will not be placed on the time and place of worship but on the truthful hearts of worshipers.” This powerful idea challenges us to think about what we truly worship in our daily lives. When we look closely, we might notice that “idols” in today’s world aren’t statues or golden calves—they’re often the things or people we put above God in our hearts and routines. 

What Is an Idol in Modern Times? 

In simple terms, an idol is anything we love, trust, or value more than God. It’s not always a “bad” thing—sometimes it’s even something good, like family or work, that sneaks up to first place in our priorities. In the Old Testament, idols were physical objects. Today, they’re often invisible, but still very real in our hearts and actions. 

Common Modern-Day Idols 

1. Family: Family is a wonderful gift and a major part of life. But if our love for family becomes greater than our love for God, or if we put family above God’s ways, it can quietly become an idol. 

2. People & Relationships: Sometimes, we put certain people—a spouse, boss, child, friend, celebrity, or even a president—on a pedestal. When their needs, opinions, or approval matter more than God’s, they edge into idol territory. 

3. Church Activities & Worship Styles: Believe it or not, even church can become an idol. If we focus more on church programs, buildings, music, or the “show” than on God Himself, we miss the true point of worship. 

4. Work: Work is important, but when it overshadows everything else—when we chase success or security so much that we neglect God and others—it takes over God’s rightful place. 

5. Money & Wealth: Money is useful, but as Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve God and money.” If wealth becomes our main goal, it becomes our master. 

6. Success, Image, & Materialism: In the age of social media, it’s easy to chase after the perfect image, nice things, or status. When we care more about how others see us—or what we own—than about God’s opinion, we’ve created an idol. 

7. Safety, Security, & Even Guns: In some cultures, the desire for safety or the attachment to things like guns can become all-consuming. When these things are held up as the ultimate source of protection or identity, they take the place meant for God. 

8. Sex: Sex is created by God, but our culture often twists it. When seeking pleasure becomes more important than seeking God’s will, it can lead us away from Him. 

9. Cell Phones & Technology: Many of us can’t go long without checking our phones or tablets. If we’re giving our devices more attention than our loved ones—or God—it’s a sign something’s off. 

10. Social Media: The need for likes, followers, and online approval can easily become addictive, drawing our eyes and hearts away from what matters most. 

11. Sports: For many, sports isn’t just entertainment—it’s a passion that can take over time, money, and attention that might be better spent elsewhere. When our identity or happiness is wrapped up in a team or athlete, it’s worth a heart check. 

Spotting Idols in Your Own Life

Idols aren’t always easy to see. Here are a few questions to help you figure out if something has become an idol for you: 

• Do I love or treasure something or someone more than God? 

• Do I put anything or anyone ahead of God in my schedule or decisions? 

• Does anything bring me more excitement or comfort than God does? 

• Do I find my identity in something besides being a child of God? 

• Do I rely on anything else to meet my needs or make me feel secure? 

• Do I look for happiness or fulfillment outside of God? 

Why Does It Matter? 

The Bible is clear: “All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit” (Isaiah 44:9 ESV). When we put anything above God—even good things—it can quietly draw our hearts away from His love and purpose for us. True worship starts in the heart and is focused on God above all else. 

What Can We Do? 

We all struggle with idols at times. The key is to be honest with ourselves, ask God to show us what we’ve put in His place, and take steps to put Him first again. As we do, we’ll find the kind of joy, purpose, and peace that only come from true worship. 

Let’s ask ourselves regularly: What am I really worshiping? And let’s aim, every day, to put God back at the center of our hearts and lives. 

Minister A Francine Green, March 2026