“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth.”
Some phrases we use in relationships to express love for one another include, “You’re the only one I have eyes for” or “You are my one and only love.” These words communicate we not only have strong love for that person but also that our love for them in that way is not shared with anyone else. This is one of the reasons an affair outside of a marriage is such a hurtful sin. It is a serious offense because the person previously committed to love only the person they married in that way.
The second commandment serves as a reminder that we are not just called to worship God, but we are called to only worship God. We should give no other person, place, or thing the kind of devotion we give to Him. We surrender all when we follow Him and commit to being devoted to Him above all else. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus said, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” In marriage relationships, we know that divided devotion is unhealthy. We know it’s not enough just to love the person we married. When we get married, we commit to deny others and show loyalty to our spouse. Similarly, in our relationship with God, we are called to love Him above all others. There is no space for worshiping others with our time, resources, and efforts. He alone is worthy of our full devotion.
- We may not bow down to physical idols of false gods, but what are some things we can turn into idols in our lives?
- How does worship of God alone impact daily living?
- Pray and ask God to reveal where you have made an idol that is receiving your devotion that belongs only to Him.
