Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. (Exodus 20:4)
On the surface, the Second Commandment seems pretty easy to keep. “Don’t make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.” I think of the golden calf that was made at Mount Sinai, and the household gods that Rebecca stole from her dad in Genesis 31. I don’t have any of these! I sometimes wonder when I am in a Thai restaurant and see an altar with food offerings whether it is appropriate for me to patronize the restaurant – yet, thinking that I am not worshipping at the altar, this is not a violation of the second commandment.
Unfortunately, it is not that simple. An idol is anything that we make more important than God. God says not to make idols because he is jealous for us, because he loves us. God wants a relationship with us; he wants to love and care for us. When we worship idols, we turn our affection away from God and try to find satisfaction in something else.
As I write this, the wealthy community of Pacific Palisades is burning. Is your ocean-front home your god? If so, then you have lost everything and you will spend considerable time and energy in the next couple years trying to get it back. Is your jewelry your god? If so, then you will be focused on returning to your burned-out lot to find whatever you can. Are your memorabilia your god – pictures, photos, Emmy’s? If so, these are lost and you will never get them back.
However, if your god is the one true God of the Bible, your focus is different. God is the same before and after the fire. He still loves and cares for you. Your future is not defined by the loss of the fire, but rather by the glorious riches of God’s love and provision. Read Isaiah 61 and see how Jesus’ coming foretold of restoration – “beauty from ashes.”
To think more deeply about the second commandment, consider what you value more than God. What do you think about, plan for, are concerned about losing? This is your idol. This keeps you from fully realizing God’s love. God wants all of you, because he loves you. Give yourself freely to God, and let him care for you.