I John 5:21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
The word that is translated “idols” denotes anything physical or any emotional attraction that would be a substitute for or serve as an intermediary for the “true God” (I John 5:20), or anything that we might give more attention to or affection to than the “true God”. This includes figurines, statues, pictures, images of all kinds, buildings, relics, as well as those lustful things which distract us from the “true God”; it also and certainly includes living or deceased men that some revere and idolize. This is one reason why we Primitive Baptists will not ever use or accept the title of “reverend” for our ministers; the Word of God is clear; this title belongs to God alone: “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” (Psalms 111:9). It is our human nature to be attracted to “idols”; thus, the first two Commandments clearly prohibit “idols” of any kind: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) and “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:4-6). Not even the angels would permit men to worship or idolize them: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God …” (Revelation 19:10). Neither would the Apostles allow it: “But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.” (Acts 10:26). We can idolize sports, entertainment, entertainers, hobbies, family, a person, and even our own selves. The penalties for idolatry are severe because our “true God” is “a jealous God”; and He plainly declares, “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8). When we humans become “jealous” we are often deeply hurt and severely discouraged; not so with the “true God”, He has and uses His Sovereign Power and Authority to chasten his people for their idolatry and correct our unfaithfulness to Him. We all are, in various ways, tempted with idolatry; thus, we are lovingly exhorted, Commanded: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols”!