What Does It Mean to Have No Idols in the 21st Century?

Did you know that God is often described as a jealous God? This truth resonates powerfully through Exodus 20:3-6, where we find this direct command:
“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…”

While we might think that the formation of idols is something confined to the ancient world, we should take a moment to reconsider what idolatry looks like in our 21st-century lives. In a society driven by technology, it’s easy to recognize how things we once found innocuous can slip into the realm of the sacred. Social media likes and follows often become substitutes for self-worth, with a screen dictating our emotional state. Our smartphones, though they connect us in unprecedented ways, can pull us away from deeper, more meaningful connections with God and others.

Let’s not forget about our careers. Many of us invest so much time and energy into our jobs that we risk sacrificing our spiritual well-being. The pursuit of fitness and a desired appearance, fueled by societal norms, can overshadow our true identity in Christ. The craving for acceptance from our peers may drive us to prioritize human approval above divine purpose.

But what makes God’s jealousy so significant? It is not a petty jealousy but rather a passionate yearning for a close relationship with us. He desires our time, our focus, and our love. When we divert our attention to things that ultimately do not satisfy, we neglect the deep and abiding relationship He invites us into. God warns us against such distractions because they lead us into a cycle of emptiness.

So, let us take a moment and reflect: What idols have we set up in our lives? What needs to be laid down today? Identifying these distractions is the first step to reclaiming our hearts and aligning our lives with Him. It allows us to experience the steadfast love that God promises to those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Let’s challenge ourselves to pursue a life that seeks God above all. As we do so, we begin to experience true fulfillment, freedom, and joy, rooted in a relationship with the One who loves us most deeply.