GREED, WHICH IS IDOLATRY / COLOSSIANS 3:5

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Colossians 3:5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Putting Greed to Death: Why Colossians 3:5 Calls It Idolatry

When we think of idolatry, our minds often drift to ancient history—bowing down to golden calves, carving wooden statues, or offering sacrifices in pagan temples. It feels distant, primitive, and completely disconnected from modern life.

But in Colossians 3:5, the Apostle Paul shatters this illusion with a jarring definition: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”

By linking greed directly to idolatry, Scripture reveals that the oldest sin in human history hasn’t disappeared; it has simply changed its wardrobe.

What is Idolatry in the Modern World?

Throughout the Bible, idolatry represents an open rejection of God. In practical terms today, idolatry means giving priority to anything in place of God. It is the act of allowing things, ambitions, or desires to become the central focus of our lives, taking away the reliance and faith that belong solely to Him.

Idolatry doesn’t always look like open defiance. Often, it is subtle. It can involve claiming loyalty to God and His Word while simultaneously giving equal or greater loyalty to:

Earthly wealth and material possessions
Status, titles, and institutions
Traditions or human authorities

Nothing is permitted to hold a higher priority in our lives than our relationship with God. When something else does, it becomes an idol.

Why Greed is the Ultimate False God

Greed is not just a desire to have nice things; it is a disordered devotion. It is the quiet belief that more money, more security, or more possessions will provide the satisfaction, safety, and identity that only God can give.

When we give in to greed, we are shifting our dependence away from the Creator and placing it onto the creation. We begin to serve the dollar, the career ladder, or the storage unit. We look to our bank accounts to tell us we are safe, instead of looking to the promises of Scripture. This is why Paul commands us to “put it to death.” We cannot casually manage an idol; we have to starve it.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Almighty God,

Your Word reminds us that our hearts are prone to wander and quick to build altars to false gods. Forgive us for the times we have let greed, material comfort, and the pursuit of more take the place that belongs only to You. Forgive us for trusting our finances or our status more than we trust Your provision.

We ask for the strength of the Holy Spirit to put to death the earthly desires within us. Give us hearts of true contentment. Help us to find our absolute security, identity, and joy in Jesus Christ alone. May nothing in this world hold a higher priority in our lives than Your Word and Your presence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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