Did you know that there are idols Christians still worship without even knowing it? Yes, that’s right. In today’s world, we don’t carve idols anymore, but rather, we create them. What are these deadly idols? Here are some of them!
Imagine this: we’re sitting together, coffee in hand, having a relaxed conversation.
You ask, “What are the idols we worship today?”
Maybe, like many people, you picture giant statues or shrines—objects from ancient times that don’t have much to do with our modern lives.
But here’s the twist: idols are far from extinct.
They’ve just gotten better at blending in, hiding in plain sight, looking like things we think we need.
Let’s dig in, my friend.
I want to walk you through some of the subtle idols we might unknowingly worship today—and how they can quietly pull our hearts away from God.
1. The Idol of Success
Have you ever felt like your worth is tied to what you achieve?
Society loves to tell us that our lives are only as valuable as our accomplishments.
Titles, promotions, and accolades—they’re all seductive.
We chase them, thinking they’ll fill a void inside.
And while there’s nothing wrong with striving for excellence, there’s a dangerous trap when success becomes our source of identity.
Look at what Jesus says in Matthew 16:26 (NKJV):
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”
Sobering, isn’t it?
Success, in itself, is empty when it costs us our souls.
True significance comes not from our accomplishments, but from our relationship with God, who gives our lives eternal purpose.
2. The Idol of Comfort
Oh, how we love comfort.
We’re constantly drawn to things that make life easier, more enjoyable, and less challenging.
And while there’s no harm in enjoying life’s blessings, we can easily let comfort become a god.
We chase comfort in the form of bigger homes, nicer clothes, and even perfect relationships.
But when comfort takes center stage, we lose our resilience.
Jesus calls us to take up our cross (Matthew 16:24), not our recliners.
The Christian walk is a path of transformation, and sometimes, that path is uncomfortable.
God doesn’t call us to live easy lives—He calls us to live meaningful ones.
3. The Idol of Approval
How many of us crave the approval of others?
It feels good to be liked, doesn’t it?
To know we’re accepted, validated, and respected by our peers.
But living for the praise of people is a trap that leads to nothing but anxiety and disappointment.
When we worship at the altar of approval, we allow others to dictate our worth and direction.
Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) puts it sharply: “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
Living for people’s approval is a constant race with no finish line.
It’s exhausting.
The only approval that truly matters is from the One who made us, who knows us deeply, and loves us unconditionally.
4. The Idol of Control
This one hits close to home.
Many of us want to know exactly how our lives will play out.
We plan meticulously, trying to secure our futures, our families, and our finances.
And while planning is wise, there’s a thin line between diligence and trying to play God.
When we obsess over control, we’re essentially telling God, “I’ve got this.”
We act as if we’re the authors of our lives, but the truth is, God alone holds the pen.
Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV) reminds us, “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”
Our need for control can block God from doing His best work in our lives.
Letting go and trusting Him is hard, but it’s freeing.
5. The Idol of Relationships
Love and connection are beautiful gifts from God.
But sometimes, we put relationships in the place only God should occupy.
We look to our partners, friends, and families to complete us, fill our emotional voids, and give us purpose.
When we make relationships our ultimate source of fulfillment, we’re bound to be disappointed because even the best relationships cannot meet the deepest needs of our souls.
In Jeremiah 17:5 (NKJV), we read, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord.”
God designed us to love others, yes, but never to make them our gods.
When we put people on a pedestal, we set ourselves—and them—up for heartbreak.
6. The Idol of Self
This one is tricky because it disguises itself as empowerment.
We’re told that to love ourselves is to live our best life, to put ourselves first, to make everything about “me.”
But self-centered living pushes God out of the picture, making us the center of our little universe.
Jesus calls us to a different path.
In Matthew 16:24 (NKJV), He says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
True life is found in self-denial, not self-worship.
When we surrender ourselves to God, He shapes us into people who are not only fulfilled but also a blessing to others.
7. The Idol of Technology and Entertainment
Let’s be honest—technology is everywhere.
From our phones to our streaming services, we’re constantly connected and entertained.
And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying technology, it’s easy for it to become an idol that consumes our time, attention, and affection.
How many of us spend hours scrolling, watching, and consuming but find it hard to spend even a few moments in prayer or reading the Word?
Psalm 101:3 (NKJV) says, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.”
Though technology can be a gift, it’s a poor substitute for God’s presence.
It’s designed to capture our attention, but only God can truly satisfy our souls.
How Do We Break Free?
Here’s the good news: Yahweh’s grace is greater than our idols.
When we recognize these idols in our lives, we can start dismantling them by returning to Almighty, the true source of our joy, identity, and fulfillment.
Here are some practical steps:
- Pray for discernment. Ask God to reveal any idols that have taken root in your heart. Be open to His gentle conviction.
- Prioritize God’s Word. When we fill our minds with God’s truth, we become more aware of the counterfeits. Scripture keeps us anchored in reality.
- Practice gratitude. Cultivate thankfulness for what God has provided instead of constantly seeking more.
- Seek accountability. Confide in trusted friends who can support you and hold you accountable.
Get Rid of Idols Christians Still Worship
Idolatry isn’t a relic of the past; it’s a very real battle we face today.
But we don’t have to fight alone. God is ready to help us tear down every idol, every false god we’ve built, and restore us to Himself.
As we turn our eyes back to Him, we find a love, purpose, and peace that no idol could ever provide.
Let’s walk this road together.
Let’s be vigilant, rooting out the idols that creep into our lives, and let’s remember that God alone deserves our worship.
Everything else is a mere shadow compared to the glory of knowing Him.
Isn’t that a hope worth holding onto?
