"Modern" idolatry

The history books of the Old Testament tell of the people's continual infatuation with idols, including such things as Asherah poles. For example, in Exodus 34:13 (NLT), God commands,

Break down their pagan altars, smash their sacred pillars, and cut down their Asherah poles.

But in 2016, not only do I not own an Asherah pole, I don't even know where to find one! So am I free of idolatry?

Theologians define "idolatry," in modern terms, as an infatuation with anything above God. Money, professional success, social standing, etc. If we emphasize those things more than our relationship with God, then we're guilty of idolatry.

But loosening the definition of idolatry is not a "modern" idea. Indeed, Paul says (Galatians 5:19-21, NLT),

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

But the idea that idolatry involves more than just idol worship is even older than that! In 1 Samuel 15:23 (NLT), Samuel says to Saul,

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

The point is this: idolatry involves more than worshiping stones and poles. When we pursue earthy interests and defy God's will, we commit idolatry. And idolatry is a problem because (Psalm 115:8, NLT),

Those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.