Question 11 :: What is idolatry?

Answer: 

Idolatry is the sin of trusting in created things instead of the Creator for hope, happiness or security. 

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Children: 

Idolatry is the sin of trusting in created things instead of the Creator. 

Romans 1:21,25 

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened…. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator. 

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Commentary: 

Idolatry is much deeper than worshipping different gods than the God of the bible.  Idolatry is, as early church father Tertullian said, “the principle crime of the human race.” 

While the LORD addresses the worship of anything but him and the creating of idols in the first two of the ten commandments, idolatry is the principle sin of each of the next eight.  We cannot disobey God without looking to something else for hope, happiness or security. 

Idolatry can be anything that takes the rightful primacy of our lives meant for God: a car, a job, money, a person, a desire, popularity, power, success, etc. 

Further Study: 

Exodus 20:3-6; Joshua 24:15; 24:27; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Deuteronomy 12:32; 26:17; 32:46; Psalm 14:1; 29:2; 44:20-21; 90:8; Matthew 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 2:18