You might not have a statue of a false god. What does it mean to keep yourselves from idols?

You might not have a statue of a false god. What does it mean to keep yourselves from idols?

1 John 5:19-21 says: We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one [Satan]. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen

• Getting involved in trying to get the newest and fanciest of smart phones, make the phone an idol. That's because it became too important in your life.
• Getting involved in trying to get the newest and trendiest clothes, makes those clothes an idol. That's because it became too important in your life.
• Getting involved in trying to get the newest and fanciest car, makes that car an idol. That's because it became too important in your life.
• Getting involved in trying to get the newest and fanciest house, makes that house or the desire for it an idol. That's because it became too important in your life.
• Getting involved in trying to get the best and highest paying job, makes that job or the desire for it an idol. That's because it became too important in your life.
• Turning to food when you're stressed, can make that food an idol, because it became too important in your life.  [I know a lot about this one. I used to turn to food to comfort me, instead of turning to Jesus, my Savior. I now know, that it had become a false god in my life.] 

Satan loves to sneak in with subtle things to work a wedge in the relationship with have with our Savior. Make sure you are mindful of where your priorities are!