As Christians, we know that God deserves our full allegiance and attention. Since technology is a large part of our life today, we ask the question, “How do I know if technology has become an idol for me?” Whether it’d be phones, video games, or any type of tech, even good things like these can enter the realm of idolatry. For this discussion, we’ll be looking at three parts: (1) How God Views Idols; (2) How to Identify an Idol; (3) How to Embrace Hope in Idolatry.
How God Views Idols
What is an idol? Well, simply stated, an idol is anything that we worship in the place of God (Romans 1:25). Robert Jones says, “Idolatry means to worship someone or something other than the true and living God. It is giving yourself to some person, goal, idea, or object other than Jesus. It involves hitching your heart to some false savior and refuge; exalting your personal desires above the Lord; serving some master other than God.“
An idol doesn’t have to be a golden calf or a statue of a false god. It can be anything that takes the place of God in the life of a person. The Bible tells us much about idolatry. Psalm 115 explains their worthless nature and how they even influence those who worship them. The psalmist says, “
Their idols are silver and gold,
The work of man’s hands.
…They have eyes, but they cannot see;
They have ears, but they cannot hear;
…Those who make them will become like them,
Everyone who trusts in them [emphasis added] (Psalm 115:3-8 NASB)
Their presence in our life reduces our ability to see, hear, and be aware of other things around us. So it is good to ask the question, “Has a specific technology become an idol to me?” And whatever comes to mind when asking the question, gives you an answer.
How to Identify an Idol
An idol today typically isn’t something we have clear markers to say yes or no on. So we need a way of identifying it. While there is much to be said about identifying idols, we can use two statements to help us identify them. Here are two tests for identifying: (1) You sin to get it and sin because you don’t get it, or (2) You allowed a good thing to rule and dominate your life.
If one, or both, of these things are true, then you have identified an idol. And, yes, good things like technology can be an idol. Paul Tripp says, “A good thing becomes a bad thing when it becomes a ruling thing.” All these things reveal what our hearts are worshipping instead of God. And since it’s a heart issue, and this should encourage you to address that particular piece of technology in your life if it has risen to the level of idolatry.
So, who are you serving and being influenced by? Are you following, worshiping, listening to a potential idol in your life? Do you go to a video game, a favorite influencer, or funny videos online for distraction and escape instead of going directly to the God of comfort for satisfaction?
How to Embrace Hope in Idolatry
In my most recent book Puzzling 2020, there’s a chapter on technology entitled “Cell Phones,” where I recount the value and downside of technology. Cell phones are here, for good or bad. We must deal with them, use them as servants, avoid their mastery of us, and be aware of their ability to distract and deceive, almost insidiously.
One significant thing they rob us of is solitude and silence — the ability to be alone with our thoughts without being led in an activity or what to think. Silence and solitude are marks of a well-lived life and a lens for seeing and experiencing real life.
Friends, be encouraged if you are asking the “idol” question. That shows spiritual sight and reason given by God. So, there is hope in choosing godly alternatives to technology and even hope in using technology for God’s glory. Technology is here and we’re going to use it. Our goal is to make sure we use it wisely and that it’s serving us — not us serving technology. You are the one made in God’s image.
Ensure technology doesn’t interfere in communing with the most beautiful and powerful Being in the Universe which is an amazing opportunity and honor. It’s worth immeasurably more than Esau’s bowl of soup, or in this case — social media, video games, and texting.
May you have wisdom, joy, and spiritual insight all your days.
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“Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).
“… What is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory [emphasis added]” (Colossians 1:27).