Many know that idolatry is condemned in the Bible. It is the second commanded prohibition in the Ten Commandments, directly connected with the first one about not having any other gods before (or in place of) the true God.

Most people who read their Bibles are careful not to be found worshipping, bowing to or praying before pictures or images—whether made of stone, wood or other materials. Knowing this, they feel happy that they have then obeyed the commandment. This world and Satan would like us to believe that is all there is to the command. Period.

However, it is important for us to understand that there is much more to God's command than simply not bowing to images. This command, using 91 words in the King James Version, is nearly as long as the Sabbath command, which has 94 words. Isn't it interesting that, while these two are the longest among the Ten Commandments, they are perhaps the most ignored and violated?

Various dictionaries define the word idolatry not only in terms of worshipping idols, but also as blind or excessive devotion to something or someone (other than God).

Notice the great number of religious people (both pagans and professing Christians) who insist on some type of object in their worship. On television, we see great masses of people manifesting fervent devotion in front of their human religious leaders—men and women raising up both arms in worship before him. Then on the secular side, we also see those who adore their human idols: sports heroes, entertainment personalities or political leaders.

How about us? How can we be sure to fully obey God's command?

The spiritual principle is that once we give more importance to something or someone else than to God, we fall into the same condemnation. How can we tell? We simply ask the questions: Is something or someone more interesting to us in this life than God? Is something or someone occupying our mental and/or emotional focus more than God? Do we have more time and money for pursuing our hobbies and personal interests than for God?

The spirit of the Second Commandment touches on the very fabric and foundation of our lives. It directs our focus—our goal—and highlights how we are moving toward achieving our purpose. No wonder this commandment brings either blessings or cursings even to our descendants.

With this command we are forced by God to make a choice.

Like Adam and Eve, we have to individually answer. For example, while we know that there is a God and that He is our Creator, the question still remains:

Whom do we fear and obey, God or Satan?

Of course to make it seem less threatening, and more appealing and justifiable (like the forbidden fruit), Satan presents his offers through well-reasoned and pleasing human beings with tempting material advantages and benefits. Sometimes resisting Satan's offer brings very serious consequences—like the case of Joseph when he rejected the temptation by Potiphar's wife.

This scenario can be applied in many aspects of our life, like whether we will obey God's Sabbath command or not. Great benefits may occur if we violate God's command, while serious consequences (like losing a very good job) may come if we obey God. Things in this life and/or the persons involved are just the forefront "images." In the final analysis, the ultimate question still is: Whom, or whose command, did we obey?

What is God's purpose in all these choices?

Our daily answers in our minds, reflected as actions in our lives, are registered in our spirit to form God's spiritual image or character in us. Where will this spiritual exercise eventually bring us? And meanwhile, why do we find many difficulties in this life?

The answers to these questions and the whole plan and purpose of God are comfortingly reflected in Paul's letter to God's Church in Rome. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified" (Romans 8:28-30).

The question is: Whose image do we worship and follow? If it is a material and perishable image, we will perish with it. If it is the eternal God, we will eternally be glorified with Him!

Therefore, be on guard against the blinding effects of modern idolatry! UN