What Are You Really Worshipping?
We often think of idolatry as something primitive—carved statues and incense-filled shrines. But Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 10 is timeless: idolatry is alive and well, and it’s far more subtle than we realise.
John Calvin once said, “The human heart is a perpetual idol factory.” That’s confronting. Because it means idolatry isn’t just about golden calves in the desert—it’s about anything we elevate above God. Career. Comfort. Relationships. Appearance. Even good things can become god things.
At the root of many of our struggles—pride, anxiety, obsession, despair—lies a deeper issue: misplaced worship. We chase “functional saviours” to deliver us from our “personal hells.” If you think your deepest problem is loneliness, then a relationship becomes your saviour. If your personal hell is being poor, then money becomes your god. These idols promise relief but demand endless sacrifice—and never truly satisfy.
That’s why Paul says, “Flee from idolatry (v. 14).” Not dabble with it. Flee. Run. Because idols rob us of joy, enslave our hearts, and steal the glory that belongs to God.
Ask yourself: What do I fear most? What do I dream about most often? What do I sacrifice the most for? What makes me the happiest, angriest, or anxious? These questions aren’t meant to condemn, but to uncover. Because once we identify our idols, we’re one step closer to true worship.
Next time, we’ll talk about what to do when you’ve spotted an idol—and how to break free by reordering your heart around Jesus.