Two dolphins—Shadow and Chelmers—died of a drug overdose at the Connyland Marine Park in Switzerland. Forensic experts suppose that partygoers at a nearby rave placed a heroinlike substance into the dolphins’ tank water. The dolphin trainers who found Chelmers described him as “shaking all over and foaming at the mouth.” Based on these symptoms and the presence of buprenorphine in the dolphins’ bodies, it seems likely that the dolphins died due to their toxic environment.

It’s somewhat surprising that God led His own people into a land that was toxic in a spiritual sense. It was polluted with idolatry. To prepare them for this challenge, Moses said, “When the Lord your God goes ahead of you and destroys the nations . . . do not fall into the trap of following their customs and worshiping their gods” (Deuteronomy 12:29-30). To make sure they weren’t infected by any of the poisonous practices, Moses commanded them to break down the pagan altars, smash sacred pillars, cut down carved idols, and torch the Asherah poles (Deuteronomy 12:3).

After all that work was finished, God knew His children could still be enticed to worship false gods. This temptation could come from phony prophets, family members, or even close friends. God considered that seductive situation to be a test. If the Israelites tuned in to their peers and tuned Him out, God would know that they lacked wholehearted love for Him.

Today, many of us live in toxic environments where the threat of idolatry is less obvious, but just as dangerous. Letting culture dictate our worship may mean bowing down to celebrity talent, pridefully reveling in our children’s accomplishments, or honoring nature rather than the Creator. Consider smashing the not-so-obvious idols in your life so that you can better follow the first commandment (Exodus 20:3).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 15:1-20