Lifeway Research recently surveyed pastors, asking them what modern idols have the most significant influence in their churches. Over half of the pastors surveyed said it was comfort, followed by security, and then money. As Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, explains, “Comfort and security draw the hearts of the most congregations, but they are often enabled by the pursuit of more money.” America is one of the most prosperous nations in the world. But when Christians value that prosperity too highly, it can lead to idolatry. This ought to bring to our minds what Jesus says in Matthew 16:26, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”