Idolatry in the New Testament—Forms that May Surprise You • Deshen Daily

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” (Colossians 3:5, KJV)

The idolatry displayed during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics shocked many Christians and non-Christians alike. It brought to mind the worship of idols or pagan gods in the Old Testament. But did you know that in the New Testament, idolatry is more than just worshipping physical idols? Many might be surprised to learn that, in God’s eyes, there is likely more idol worship today than in ancient times—and it may be more prevalent among us(His people) than we realize.

Traditionally, idolatry refers to the worship of physical idols made of stone, gold, or other materials. However, the New Testament expands this concept, making idolatry more spiritual and internal. It emphasizes that anything replacing God in a person’s life—whether wealth, power, desires, or even people—can be considered an idol. This reminds us that God’s perspective differs from ours; His ways are not our ways. For instance, God equates rebellion with witchcraft(1 Samuel 15:23).

In Colossians 3:5, Paul explicitly calls covetousness idolatry. By implication, money becomes a god, greedy lifestyle becomes its worship, and those driven by money are idol worshippers. So, God views greed and an excessive desire for wealth, material possessions, or another person’s belongings as idolatry. If this is idolatry in God’s eyes, then we, as His children, are in serious trouble, especially since His house has often become a “house of merchandise“John 2:16). And if you think this issue only concerns prosperity ministers, please think again.

How often has the pursuit of money or concerns about its lack caused you to neglect God’s will? When the cares of money control our lives, we serve money, or mammon. This is precisely what Jesus meant in Matthew 6:24:

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

If money as an idol is troubling, then consider this: just as money can take God’s place in our hearts, so can people. In the Old Testament, God tested Abraham to ensure Isaac had not become an idol. In the New Testament, we see a troubling trend: ministers are elevated to a position where they take the place of God in Christians’ hearts. In 1 Corinthians 4:6, Paul admonishes the Corinthians not to think of men (ministers) “above what is written.” Yes, a man or woman of God can become an idol, just as our denominations or doctrines can.

Anything that claims the attention, devotion, and loyalty that only God deserves—whether it’s money, a person, or something else—is an idol.

May the Lord help us all to cleanse our lives and churches from idols.

So beware of idolatry.

Meditate

How do Colossians 3:5 and Ephesians 5:5 clarify the meaning of idolatry in the New Testament?

Apply the Word

Is there an idol in your life? Writing this made me consider things in my life that God might see as idolatry. Remember, it’s not about what we think but about what God sees and how He defines it. Brethren, as God’s Temples, let us cleanse ourselves from every form of idolatry.