Unlike the past, where idol worship is bowing down to statues and objects typical of pagans in many cultures, modern-day idol worship is expressed through various insatiable pursuits and cravings of man, driven by his sinful nature. These shift all attention to man, leaving God out of the equation (Isaiah 42:8– I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.). It is also expressed by portraying and painting God in a way that is contrary to sound and total Biblical precepts, and revealing Him to suit personal values and ideologies (2 Timothy 4:3–  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;).

Quite often, modern-day idolatry takes form of:

• Self-worship: Expressed through aggressive pursuit and realisation of goals and dreams in which God is excluded.

• Materialism: Great or excessive regard for wordly possessions (1 Corinthians 7:31– And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.).

• Pride and Ego: These often take the form of obsession with careers or business to increase social status (Ecclesiastes 2:21-23–  For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?), (Proverbs 8:13– The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.).

• Idolising fellow humans: Reverencing renowned individuals above God e.g., music stars/actors, footballers, ministers of God, politicians, spouses, etc.

• Naturalism and the power of science: This is clinging to the illusion that man is the lord of his world due to scientific and technological breakthroughs (2 Peter 3:10-13– But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.).

• Self-indulgence: This could be through alcohol, drugs, excessive watching of TV, excessive and abnormal use of social media, clubbing, and gambling among other things (1 Corinthians 10:31– Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.).

Thanks for reading and KEEP THE FAITH STRONG!!!!!