Money, fame, fortune, statues, monuments, people, and even oneself. Anyone or anything can be an idol. Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “idol” as the following:

1. an object of extreme devotion
2. a representation or symbol of an object of worship

It is quite possible to devote yourself to someone or something to the point where you begin to worship said person or thing. In fact, every single day, idolatry is on full display throughout our world. There are countless forms of gods that humanity has established and engaged in idol worship. We can see the very evidence when we turn on our televisions. Hollywood which is considered to be one of the premier entertainment capitols in the world, it is full of examples concerning idol worship. Or, one can easily engage in idolatry in the form of a romantic relationship.

It is the act of praising, elevating, and even proclaiming that a person or an object maintains our strict adoration and attention. We can do this by how much time we spend thinking about the person or object of our desire. Or, when we speak, our words will often show us exactly what it is that we adore or worship. Whatever has your focus, it has your heart. Matthew 6:21 says (NIV) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

What you and I treasure the most, that is where our heart will be. That in turn means, that our focus is generally upon the thing or person that we are worshipping. However, what happens when we commit idolatry? Are there any consequences when we worship a person or a created thing? Before examining the consequences of idolatry, it must be made clear, that the Lord God almighty, the one who created the Heavens and the Earth, He is a jealous God.

Exodus 34:14 says (KJV) “(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),”

God will not tolerate idol worship nor the devotion to anything other than to Him. While yes, we do have things in life that we do, and people that we love, but the key is to place the priority of our love and devotion unto God as #1. If God is not in the #1 position of your life, then there will be consequences for your idolatry. The following is what happens when you commit idol worship:

What you worship you will lose – 1 Samuel 5:1-5 focuses on the Philistines and the people of Ashdod. The Philistines had captured the Ark of God and they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. From there, the Ark of God was brought into the House of Dagon (Dagon was a false god/idol) and set it next to Dagon. The people of Ashdod arose in the next morning to find that Dagon was lying face down in front of the Ark of God. So, they put Dagon back in its position as it was before. However, the next day, the people of Ashdod found Dagon lying face down on the ground again. Only this time, the head of the idol, and its hands were found to be cut off, only leaving the trunk or the body of the idol remaining.

The overall point of that scripture is to state that what we worship, we will lose it. God will destroy and remove anything that we begin to devote ourselves to, more than we devote to Him.

God’s hand will be against you – 1 Samuel 5:6 says “The hand of the LORD was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. “ The people of Ashdod not only worshipped a false god (Dagon), but they erected their idol next to the Ark of God. When you and I worship anyone or anything other than God, we put ourselves in a position to have God’s hands against us.

This means that anything that we attempt to do, it will result in destruction. That is because, God does not accept any other god, idol worship, or any other form of devotion. All worship belongs to the Lord Almighty. If that does not occur in your life, then you will find that God will be against you and sudden destruction will be the result.

Confusion is present – Isaiah 44:9 says (NKJV) “Those who make an image, all of them are useless, And their precious things shall not profit; They are their own witnesses; They neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed.” This verse makes it clear that those who worship or create idols, they do not have any understanding because they are unable to see. They are blinded by their sin and idol worship, so God puts said individuals into a state of confusion.

Verses 18-20 says (NKJV) ““They do not know nor understand; For He has shut their eyes so that they cannot see, And their hearts, so that they cannot understand. And no one considers in his heart, Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, “I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?”

The above verses points to what happens when idolatry is committed, and one of those things is confusion. A lack of understanding is produced which makes it difficult to see the coming destruction and even the behavior that one engages in.

In many Bible verses, God establishes the firm foundation that He is a jealous God and that idols are inferior and even illegitimate in His eyes. As a response, God will remove and destroy every idol that we create and worship. You may think to yourself that you have something good in your life. Maybe you are in a relationship or a marriage, and you love the person you are with. To the point that they are your everything.

To be clear, romantic relationships, friendships, family members, and even things that we find momentary pleasure in, they all have their place. God wants us to enjoy our lives within reason and within His parameters. We can do this by ensuring that we are balanced and that the position of our worship is given to God and God alone.

However, God sees even romantic or human relationships in the same way if they portray idol worship. We are not to love anyone or anything more than we love the Lord God. So, if you find yourself committing idol worship, it isn’t too late to eliminate the gods that you are serving. This comes through surrender and reprioritizing the Lord in His rightful position as #1.

This starts with acknowledging your sin and idol worship, and completely releasing what you are devoted to. Repentance means to turn from your sin and to go in the direction that Jesus Christ is calling for. Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, today is a great day to give yourself to the Lord through repentance and surrender. Accept Christ today, lay down your idols and worship the true and living God.