How High Is Too High?: Stop Looking Up to Your Idols

The First Commandment says that we shall have no other gods before the Lord, the Second Commandment adds on and says we shall not bow down to any man-made image, and the Tenth Commandment prohibits us from coveting (dissatisfaction with our current condition and desire/jealousy for what we don’t have). These commandments all target idolatry. An idol is anything or anyone that we place before God. We wanted to give examples of modern-day idols and what you can do to replace them with God. Keep in mind that the content of this list is not bad within itself, but when it starts causing you to become distant from Our Father, then it becomes an unhealthy idol.

1. Money

Working is not optional for much of the population. Money is essential in society. To have a house, we need money. To have a car, we need money. It’s how you get that money and what you do with that money that determines if you are worshipping it. Instead of pushing yourself to pick up that extra shift and obsessing over the hours you have, you can set a day or two aside for God. Read your Bible first thing on Friday morning instead of reading your checking account after your paycheck landed.

2. Success

Many of us want a successful lifestyle. It should be noted that success in the world is different than success in God’s eyes. Wanting to be successful is not bad itself, but you should not be prioritizing a rich lifestyle over a Godly lifestyle. Why? When our time comes to pass, none of the money that you stressed over, none of the designer clothes you paid for, none of these things will be there. Put that time and energy into God.

3. Love

It’s very common to crave love and seek it out in society. The concern is: How can you find real and genuine love in your life if you aren’t seeking the One who created it? Where God is, love will be there as well. Stop looking for love in others and find it in the Lord.

4. Self-Appearance

Caring too much about what we look like can turn things like makeup and the gym into idols. Your intention and mindset can reveal whether these things are idols. Are you going to the gym to “look better” for more attraction and attention? Or are you going to take care of God’s temple? Are you using makeup to hide or altar the face God gave you? Or are you using it to enhance your features in a creative way?

5. Fans

Stop identifying as a fan of something or someone. It could be your favorite singer, your favorite social media influencer, or your favorite shop. You don’t know any of these people or what they may truly stand for. You do know God and His everlasting character.

6. Phones

What do you do as soon as you wake up in the morning? Do you reach for your phone? Do you fall asleep with it in your hand? Are you constantly checking it for Instagram notifications or to see who texted you? This may be a sign that your phone has become an idol in your life. You are allowing it to take away time from the Lord, and time you could be dedicating to your relationship with Him. If you read your Bible half as much as many of us use our phones, not only would we be incredibly educated on His word, but closer to His love.

7. Partying

Going out with your friends to have a good time doesn’t always have to be a bad thing, as long as you’re being responsible. But once this habit becomes toxic, leading to things such as getting drunk every weekend or even doing drugs can not only negatively affect your health, but your relationship with the Lord. At this point, this could be considered an idol in your life as you become addicted to the adrenaline and the high you get from all of these substances rather than addicted to the high you get from the love of God.

8. Academics

Going to school and gaining an education is something that is necessary in life, to grow and to become an established and successful adult. How could this possibly become an idol? Getting straight A’s is not against God. It’s when you’re putting it over Him that it does. Knowing balance in everything is critical in avoiding the creation of idols. Make sure you’re doing well in classes, but make sure you’re also dedicating time to God and praising Him often!

Just because you have one of these "idols" doesn't necessarily mean it has become an idol in your life. You must ask yourself; how high is too high? Is it separating me from my relationship with God? Everything in excess is bad for you and your soul, so make sure you do things in moderation and always in consideration of God.