Do not have other gods besides me. Do not make an idol for yourself in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them, because I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands (Deuteronomy 5:7-10, CSB; the first and second commandments of the Ten Commandments).

The first two commandments of the Ten Commandments address the worship of God. The first commands us to worship only the one true God and the second commands us to worship God in the correct way (or avoid idolatry).

The word “worship” is related to the idea of ascribing worth to something. We worship what we think is worthy or important.

What you think is important is a priority in your life. It’s what you idolize. And, it’s what you worship.

The litmus test of a priority is what you spend your time and money on. And, what you spend your time and money on is likely what you talk and think about. So, the things that are really important to you are those things you spend your time and money doing and talking and thinking about.

In this world the use of time and money is frankly a zero-sum game—whatever time or money you spend on one priority reduces the time and money spent on another priority. If you work late every night, then you don’t get to spend time with your family and you don’t get enough sleep.

In the age in which we live, there are many, many things to spend our time and money on. And when these other things occupy more of our time and attention than worshiping the one, true God, they can lead us into idolatry and disobeying the second commandment.

Modern idolatry doesn’t take the form of making “graven images” to worship. No, modern idolatry takes a much more subtle form. Modern idols are such things as the pursuit of money and wealth, seeking power and control, a passion for entertainment and hobbies, a reliance on comfort and security, focusing on our appearance and self-image, and devoting an inordinate amount of time to social media and technology.

But, the metrics are fairly straightforward for determining if there’s idolatry in your life. Check your calendar and bank account. What do you spend your time and money on?

Then, take out your spiritual tape measure and determine how much of your time and money and what you think about is spent on the gospel of Christ?

How do they compare?

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2, CSB)