Similarly, the fact that various creatures, plants and heavenly bodies​—all part of God’s creative works—​have been and still are being given veneration would not in itself make them unacceptable for decorative or ornamental purposes. Many things that were at one time worshiped by the ancients have lost their idolatrous significance and are generally regarded as being merely ornamental.

However, the Christian has to be careful that he does not begin to look upon any object as being something more than it actually is. This aspect was well expressed by Jehovah’s faithful servant Job: “If I used to see the light when it would flash forth, or the precious moon walking along, and my heart began to be enticed in secrecy and my hand proceeded to kiss my mouth, that too would be an error for attention by the justices, for I should have denied the true God above.”​—Job 31:26-28.

Accordingly, if a Christian felt that the presence of a certain picture or object could stir up worshipful feelings because of its ancient idolatrous association, he would want to get rid of it. This could include personal ornaments, jewelry and the like. And, of course, he would not want to keep things that presently have a supposed sacred significance or that are specifically designed for use in false religious rituals. That would be true even if the items in question no longer had any religious significance to him. Like Christians in ancient Ephesus, he would destroy appendages of false worship, regardless of how expensive they may have been, so that no one else could misuse them.​—Acts 19:19.

So the person who desires God’s approval does well to examine the pictures and objects in his home to see whether he should make some changes. He might ask himself: Would persons in the community where I live regard certain pictures and objects in my possession as being more than mere ornaments or decorations? Do these people attach a certain religious significance to them, regarding them as holy or bringers of good fortune? Would certain pictures or objects in my home suggest to others that I am in agreement with false religious systems or practices? Do some of the things I have misrepresent the teachings of the Bible? If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” the wise course would be to eliminate from one’s home any possible cause for stumbling oneself or others.

Of course, there is no need to go to unreasonable extremes in this matter. Even encyclopedias and dictionaries contain illustrations of false gods and religious symbols. But one’s having such reference works in no way implies to others one’s agreeing with false concepts. A Bible with religious pictures and symbols might be viewed in the same light, that is, as a reference work.

It should be remembered, however, that the effect pictures and other representations have on people varies considerably. No one can make rules for others. So if a person found that he simply could not look at a picture without feeling the pull of false religion, he would be acting wisely if he were to get rid of it. Whenever there is any reasonable doubt, it is always best to choose the course that will leave one with a clear conscience before God.