Article September 24, 2012 Issue

Casting out idols

Genevieve Bergeson

The First Commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” and the Second, that man shall neither make nor worship idols, teach the allness of God, good, and the powerlessness of evil (see Exodus 20:3–6). These commands may seem restrictive, but to spiritual sense, they reveal our infinite abilities as God’s ideas. Experiences at school have shown me how obeying God’s law to the utmost conquers idolatry and demonstrates freedom.

This year, my college began operating under a semester system—a change that meant, among other things, students would take two more courses per term than under the prior system. Some issues with the new system were not completely worked out before fall semester began, and this, in combination with my rigorous courses, made for a challenging term. I knew before the term began that I would have to work diligently (academically and metaphysically) every day.

Often, I had many major long-term assignments due within the same few days. To complete them, as well as daily homework and other obligations, I had to work far in advance and late into the night. One evening, I was writing a piece due within two days and was not as far along as I would have liked. Tired of slow progress, I decided to pray.