Can I get some help understanding the exact definition of an Idol, and Worshiping an Idol?
Upvote:3
Your question has many parts, and its obvious you take the matter seriously.
Highly esteeming objects in general is not idolatry:
Luke 15:9 - Woman and Drachma coin.
Matthew 13:45-46 - Merchant and pearl.
Objects seemingly valuable from man's standpoint can be used for good things:
Luke 7:46 - Woman washes Jesus' feet with expensive oil.
Your already quite versed in the subject, so it doesn't appear you require much explanation -- and the verses you point out have a common denominator:
Anything - person, object, idea, lifestyle --- that is put above devotion to God is an idol.
Compare:
Genesis 25:34 - Esau trades birthright for bowl of stew.
Luke 14:18 - Man finds excuse not to follow Christ, goes back to his newly purchased field.
Philippians 3:19 - Self indulgent people idolize their own bellies/flesh.
EDIT: And as the verses you cite mention, bowing down to idols, making a likeness of anything to be revered -- also idolatry.
Put simply: Worship the creator. Not the creation.
On that note, I love Linux way more than Windows!
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