So, you read through lists of sins in the Bible, and some of them you easily dismiss, perhaps thinking, “That’s not an issue for me. I’m not tempted by that at all. That’s in there for other people.” Perhaps we should take just a moment to do a quick introspection on one.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, along with the fornicators, adulterers, homosexuals, etc., God lists “idolaters.” In Revelation 21:8, along with the sexually immoral and sorcerers, God lists “idolaters.” In Revelation 22:15, along with murderers, God lists “idolaters.” Look at the list in Ephesians 5. Along with the fornicator, impure person and those who engage in foolish talking, God lists “idolaters.” But in this passage (as in Colossians 3:5), God identifies who He is talking about. Read the full paragraph. God is not talking about “idolaters” who bow down to stone or wood images. He identifies the “idolater” as the “covetous” person (Eph. 5:5).
Friend, are you greedy? Do you have a tendency to want more (and more)? God says that being covetous is being an “idolater.” Maybe that’s not so easy to dismiss!