Are You an Idolater (Idol Worshipper) ?

Are You an Idolater?

What is your answer to this question? Of course not! You may say in your head. But if you really think about it and after you read this article you may have to search your own heart and ask yourself that question honestly. 

What is the definition of an idolater? Oxford dictionary defines it as a person who worships an idol or idols. What is an idol? you ask. 

Oxford defines an idol as a noun: idol; plural noun: idols 

1.   an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship



   2. a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.



What is the biblical meaning of an Idol? 


     In a religious context, an idol is an object or image, for example, such as a statue, that is worshipped as a representation of a deity or god. 
 The worship of an idol is sometimes called idolatry. 

An Idol, however, can be anything you put in high regard. You tend to prioritize it in your daily lives and activities. An idol can be anything that you prioritize over worshipping and serving God. 

We all have idols whether we admit it or not. 

An idol can be money, a job, a car, a house, a person or an object.  If we prioritize any of these things over God, then we are actually worshipping these things, these idols. 

What does the Bible say about worshipping idols?  I can give you many biblical references to it. (*See below reference verses) 

But there is one particular bible passage, I want to focus on here today, 


Isaiah 46:3-9 (NIV)

3 “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since your birth,
and have carried since you were born.

4  Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
 I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

5  “With whom will you compare me or count me equal?
 To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?

6  Some pour out gold from their bags
and weigh out silver on the scales;
they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god,
 and they bow down and worship it.

7  They lift it to their shoulders and carry it;
they set it up in its place, and there it stands.
From that spot it cannot move.
Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer;
 it cannot save them from their troubles.

8  “Remember this, keep it in mind,
 take it to heart, you rebels.

9  Remember the former things, those of long ago;
 I am God, and there is no other;
 I am God, and there is none like me.

What this passage is saying and emphasizing is that we need to remember who our creator is, and that he holds all the power over our lives. We need to remember that idols cannot sustain us and give us eternal life.  All idols are fleeting and can be eventually destroyed but God's undying love and devotion to us will never die,  so we should prioritize him in our lives over all other things or people. 

 It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day routines of life, work, family, finances and forget who provides these items. We need to stop and first give thanks to God who is the source of these blessings and vow to keep him first. 

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) says

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. 

This means if we strive to seek God's guidance first, then he will provide everything we need and even our desires,  if they are his will for our lives. God's will - that is the topic of another deep discussion. 

Lastly, We are to strive always to be reminded that we should never allow any idols in our lives to take precedent or priority over serving the Lord and putting him first. 

 10 Biblical References on Idolatry

Here are several Bible verses addressing idolatry:

Exodus 20:3-5 (NIV)
"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..."

1 Corinthians 10:14 (NIV)
"Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."

Leviticus 19:4 (NIV)
"Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God."

Jonah 2:8 (NIV)
"Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them."

1 John 5:21 (NIV)
"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."

Psalm 115:4-8 (NIV)
"But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell... Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them."

Isaiah 44:9 (NIV)
"All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame."

Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."

Ezekiel 14:6 (NIV)
"Therefore say to the people of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!'"

Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)
"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft... I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

These verses highlight how seriously the Bible treats idolatry, emphasizing the importance of worshiping God and God alone.