When you think of idolatry what comes to your mind? I usually think of statues of false gods worshipped by people.
Paul puts a broader application to the concept of idolatry in Ephesians 5:5, where he says, “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
In the ancient world prostitution was common at the temples of false gods. And some of the activities that surrounded the worship and life styles of the worshipers were impure. These practices associated with temple worship are not common to many of us. But sexual immorality and impurity are common in our society. Greed is prevalent in our world. The desire to always want more grips many. If they already have obtained wealth, they often find they have a craving for even more. And if they are on the poor end of society there is often a desire to have what the more fortunate have. This is greed.
According to Paul all of this is idolatry. Such idolatry will negatively affect the quality of your faith life. And that will also negatively affect your marriage and family life. Sex outside of marriage has ruined many a marriage and family. And sex before marriage creates pitfalls that destroy lives. Impurity corrupts our lives and minds and will tear marriages and families apart.
When God doesn’t have his rightful place in our lives we rob ourselves and those we love of what God had in mind for marriage and family.
