Scripture Text: 1 John 5:21
There is a misconception among Christians today on the issue of idolatry. Most Christians still think that idols a mere carved image you pour palm oil on and worship. Alas! There are modern day idols embedded in the hearts of many believers that they ignorantly worship; and if not quickly dealt with could attract consequences.
In today’s world, anything or any person you value so much that takes the place of God in your life; whatever or whoever you put first before God is an idol.
What are Modern Day Idols?
Some things that can be regarded as idols in our hearts are under listed:
1. Person(s)- spouses, bosses, child, pastors, church leaders, entertainers, politicians and/or any other public figure or role model you value or takes the first place in your heart more than God (Philippians 2:9-11).
2. Modern day church activities or religious activities that hinder you from becoming a true disciple of Jesus and evangelism work for the expansion of God’s Kingdom. Note that you can be born again and not be a disciple of Jesus (Romans 12:1; Galatians 5:22-25; Math. 7:21).
3. Your ministry can be an idol if you do anything without seeking first for God’s will and approval of such works (Galatians 1:10)
4. Church doctrines can be an idol in your heart. If your standard of living as a Christian is based on church doctrine rather than the Word of God (Bible), you have placed it above God (Mark 7:

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5. Spending more time on social media on things not connected to the will of God, especially when your life depends on the likes, shares and followers counts more than God, to the extent that it worries or depresses you if you don’t get enough counts can be considered as an idol (Math. 6:19-21)
6. Your problems or challenges can be your idol if your eyes off God or seek for solution in a way you feel it’s better than handing them over to God. When you think God is too slow and seek for alternative, your problems have become your idol (1 Pet. 5:7, Math. 6:33).
7. Any material thing that you value more in your heart than God. E.g., phones or gadgets, wrist watch, make-up, wigs, movies, social outings, cars, money, etc. if any of these things hinder you from serving God better or occupy your thoughts more than God, you have turn them to your idol (Romans 12:2)
8. Putting your job, talent, desires, comfort and pleasures first before God is practicing idolatry.

How Do you deal with Modern Day Idols?
1. Getting born again is the prerequisite to deal with modern day idols.
2. As a believer, make sure you take up your Cross daily and follow Jesus. Be a disciple of Christ and not only a Christian (Luke 9:23, Hebrews 6:1).
3. Search your heart and as the Blood of Jesus to cleanse it.
4. Renew your mind by meditating on the Word of God always.
5. Live a simple life that pleases God.
6. Let God always take the first place in your thoughts, actions, decisions and imaginations.
7. Repent today for tomorrow may be too late.
God bless you.

Ref: Mountain Top Daily Devotional