The Ten Commandments: Don’t Worship Creation

The Ten Commandments: Don’t Worship Creation

Bible Blast: Read Romans 1:21-23

You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. Exodus 20:4-5

In my local bookstore, I can find an entire wall filled with books about worshiping stars, nature, animals, and angels. Every time I sit near there, I’m always amazed at how many people stop and look at them.

Have you ever seen those toys for little kids that have holes cut out in circle, square, and triangle shapes? They get really frustrated trying to cram a square into a circle-shaped hole. Usually they’ll try to jam it in and finally give up.

When people study how the stars can tell their future, aren’t they just trying to cram a star shape into a God-shaped hole in their hearts? Some people think the way to God is to worship the things he’s created. Many attempt this with poetry, dance, and meditation. Some try to capture the earth’s energy with crystals. Others devote their entire lives to saving animals.

In Romans 1:22-23, Paul wrote about this: “Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.” Later on in verse 25, he said, “So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise!”

Let’s say you went to a friend’s house and her mom served the most incredible apple pie. You wouldn’t say to the pie, “Oh, apple pie, you were so tasty! Thank you! How did you do it?” No, you would go to the person who made that pie and tell her how great it was. The pie wouldn’t be able to tell you anything. You would have to talk to its creator.

Instead of worshiping the things God made, worship him.

Girl Gab: Here’s a question for you two to talk about: Is it possible to be active in protecting your environment and animals without worshiping them? Take time to pray for a friend who seems to be tempted to worship the creation instead of the Creator.