Are You an Idol Worshiper Without Realizing It?

When you think of idol worship, you probably picture a golden statue or some scene from Indiana Jones. That’s what I used to think, too. But what if I told you idol worship is still happening all around us—just in a very different way?

We don’t bow to golden calves anymore. But we do bow to…

• Our phones
• Our careers
• Our kids’ sports schedules
• Our obsession with success

And most of us don’t even know we’re doing it.

What Is an Idol, Really?

An idol is anything that takes up more room in your heart than God.

It’s not always bad things—sometimes it’s great things that simply become too important.

📖 Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Ask yourself:

• What’s the one thing I can’t go a week without?

• Where do I get my sense of worth?

• What determines my mood more than it should?

Sometimes, your idol is hiding in plain sight.

The Idol Test

Let’s look at a few examples:

• Phone: Can’t put it down? Constantly checking it? Might be an idol.

• Fitness: A missed workout ruins your day? Idol.

• Success: If your identity depends on achievement, that’s not purpose—that’s idol worship.

Even I had to check myself. During the election, I was glued to Twitter—so much so, I nearly pulled all our money from the market out of fear. My husband gently said, “Um… sounds like that’s become your idol.”

He was right. I deleted the app. And found my peace again.

Why It Matters

📖 Matthew 6:21 – “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If your treasure is in the world, your peace will rise and fall with it. But if your treasure is in God—you stay grounded.

How to Break the Cycle

Identify It – What’s that one thing you think you can’t live without?
Take a Break – Fast from it for one week.
Pay Attention – What comes up? Anxiety? Clarity? More time for peace and prayer?
Reset – Let that break show you where to re-center your life.

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

God can’t renew what’s crowded out.

This Week’s Challenge

Pick one potential idol and take a break from it for 7 days.
Use that time to reconnect with God. Even just 5 quiet minutes a day.

Let your peace be rooted in the One who never changes—not in things that always do.