The Biblical Definition of Idolatry
Surprising as it may be, Webster’s Dictionary agrees with God’s word when it says any object (symbol or representation) that is used for worship (religious reminder) is an idol. It is any object of extreme devotion. This would include pictures, crosses, statues or any form of religious symbolism such as the use of birds, fishes, animals or insects as religious reminders (Deut. 4:15-19). Noah Websters 1828 Dictionary agrees with the Scripture and expounds even more than the traditional dictionary to state that an idol is: an image, form or representation, usually of a man or other animal, consecrated as an object of worship; a pagan deity. Idols are usually statues or images, carved out of wood or stone, or formed of metals, particularly silver or gold. It also says; Idolatry is of two kinds; the worship of images, statues, pictures, etc. made by hands; and the worship of the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon and stars, or of demons, angels, men and animals. But these are not the only definitions of idolatry.
Noah Websters Dictionary also states that idolatry is any thing on which we set our affections; that we indulge an excessive attachment to. Think about what things in your life might fall under that category. The Bible says anything that keeps you from doing what God says you should do is an idol or anything you put ahead of God (Col. 3:5). The whole armor of God is Bible study, prayer and continually living the life of doing good for God’s glory (Eph. 6:13). God wants you to live for Him each day by studying His word, praying to him and living your life to please Him (2 Tim. 2:15; Prov. 15:8; Eph. 5:10). Anything that stops you from doing so is an idol. Anything that comes between you and what God wants you to do daily is idolatry. Remember, stubbornness is the same sin as witchcraft in God’s eyes (1 Sam. 15:23).
Finally, idolatry is anything that exalts itself. It is anything that makes itself more important than what God has said in His word you should do (Ex. 20:3). In short, you should not make excuses, or provisions, for failing to do what God has instructed you to do daily (Phil. 2:3; Jer. 7:23-24). If God said it, that should settle it. What man says in opposition to God’s word should not be followed, for it too is idolatry (Acts 5:29).