You shall not make for yourself a carved image … Exodus 20:4 ESV

By: Scott Schuler

For days our missions team ministered to Ugandan natives. We shared God’s love and the Gospel message of salvation in His son, Jesus. In dust covered villages and streets, people gathered, eager to hear this truth. But others chose to deny Jesus, holding fast to idols as their gods.

Throughout Uganda and other countries, idol worship is common. Wood, metal, or glass shaped into statues and images of false deities represent a country’s heritage and reveal history steeped in idolatry. But the darkness of idolatry is in opposition to the light of Christianity.

Do you believe we worship idols in our nation? Absolutely!

We may not refer to carved figurines as gods, but we trade them for consuming careers, over-priced homes, and luxurious automobiles. These idols strap us financially and make us feel important. Successful. Enviable.

We worship athletes and celebrities. We seek fame and wealth. We draw attention to ourselves with expensive or tightly-worn clothes, schedules that are too full or posting our entire lives on social media.

Could these be idols?

Worshipping ourselves or our idols makes this life all about us. But the Bible presents a clear message about idols in Exodus 20:4–5 ESV.

God alone is to hold central place in our heart.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

The second commandment (of the Ten Commandments) warns us not to make for yourself a carved image. A “carved image” represents anything or anyone we worship over God.

We’ve allowed idols to claim priority in our lives. We believe they make us prosperous and confirm direction or protection for our families.

But idolatry is the restraint Satan uses as a chain around our ankle.

He uses their power to drag us into the abyss of despair and indebtedness.

What should you do with idols?

First, if you own statues or symbols of Buddhism, Taoism, or other forms of mystic religions and false gods, destroy them. Non-Christian charms, crystals, or other talismans have no place in the life of Christ-followers.

Those who worship dark spirits pray over these physical idols God warns us about in the second commandment. These objects may seem harmless, but could give the enemy a foothold in your life.

Second, seek God’s clarity regarding your personal idol-worship. Is it time to reevaluate your finances, possessions or career? Do your possessions own you or do you own them? Are your priorities drawing you closer to Jesus or further away?

Ask God to show you possessions that represent an idol. Destroy or sell relics or carved images. Assess American forms of idols that take precedence in your life. Make God first in your life so you can experience His abundance.

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