It has become commonplace for fans to scream and cry uncontrollably when meeting a celebrity or an accomplished athlete. It was true when the Beatles were at the height of their career. It has since only become more widespread and extreme. In 1992, late night talk show host Arsenio Hall introduced singing legend Diana Ross as a guest. When she entered for her segment of the show, Mr. Hall folded his hands and repeatedly bowed lowly, saying, “I am not worthy.” While this may have been done in levity, it epitomizes a dangerous practice.

It seems to be inherent in humans to worship something or someone who they view to be greater than themselves. This isn’t something new either. Twice in the book of Revelation, when the Apostle John encounters an angel of God, he seeks to give this heavenly messenger worship. After being instructed about the future “marriage supper of the Lamb,” John says, “I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and…have the testimony of Jesus: worship God” (Revelation 19:10). The word “worship” means “to bow down, prostrate one’s self, show adoration, or reverence.” The quick response of the angel was to forbid such a practice and remind John that God is the only one who should be worshipped. John needed a second reminder after seeing the New Jerusalem. He admits, “And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant” (Revelation 22:8-9). In both instances, John should have known better. In Exodus 20:3-6, Israel was forbidden to worship any other gods (created objects, ascribed deity, or imagined concepts of deity), to make any images of them, or to “bow down thyself to them.” Similarly, the Apostle Paul warned against “a voluntary… worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind” (Colossians 2:18). Such practices are gravely serious in the sight of God. They are wickedly sinful, detract from the glory of God, and often lead one to become entrenched in beliefs that ultimately lead to eternal punishment.

We do well to remember, and to remind others, that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit only are to be worshipped. Doing otherwise stirs the anger of God. “Worship God,” and Him only.