Wouldn’t it be nice if we could fit God into a box? When we want to do or say something that’s not Christlike, we could simply place Him in it and shut the lid. Perhaps we’d like to do so just before cursing during a bad traffic jam or when we’re checking something out on Youtube, Facebook, or Twitter that isn’t appropriate. After our dalliance with sin, we could simply bring God back out.
There are times when we might wish that we could create and control God. But the second commandment warns against this (Exodus 20:4-6). It’s wrong to reduce our holy, infinite God to our own liking or image. As it’s written, “You must not make for yourself an idol . . . bow down to them or worship them” (Exodus 20:4-5).
It’s interesting that of the 10 Commandments, this one is most often repeated in the Bible. And it’s the only commandment with both a threat and a promise. Perhaps this is because we have the propensity to make God in our image instead of submitting to His remaking us into His image! We say, “God’s love—I like that. But I don’t think I want any of His holiness.”
All attempts to put God in a box of our making degrades Him. It also can negatively affect others’ view of God. For if we have a low view of Him, they might adopt one too. But if we have a high view of God, they can see it and hopefully embrace it.
We can keep the second commandment by acknowledging that God is the God of the Bible, the Holy One revealed to us in Jesus Christ. J. I. Packer states, “Our aim in studying the Godhead must be to know God Himself better. Our concern must be to enlarge our acquaintance, not simply with the doctrine of God’s attributes but with the living God whose attributes they are.”
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 1:8–2:10
More:
Read in Judges 17:1-13 and Judges 18:14-26 the story of Micah, a man who disregarded God’s law against making graven images.
Next:
How does your perception of God compare to the way God has presented Himself in the Bible? How can you live out J. I. Packer’s advice?
gillian on January 31, 2014 at 3:45 am
Poh Fang, a very thought provoking start to the day. Personally, whilst acknowledging the greatness, power and majesty of God, I know that I am immensely guilty of placing limitations on God, by putting Him in a box of my making which I feel comfortable with.
Wouldn’t the world, our countries, our Churches and local communities be so different, if all Christians let God out of the box they are holding Him in and let God do what He wants to do???
Tom Felten on January 31, 2014 at 10:20 am
Good question, gillian. I love the thought of believers everywhere living out and lovingly presenting God’s love and story. May the Holy Spirit ignite our hearts today!
alli on January 31, 2014 at 7:27 am
I have to accept my own sinfulness regularly, if i dont God hets disrespected. He is always right im always wrong. When i feel right God is so much bigger than big but i make an idol of my own opinions as if what i say ever could come closer to what God has to say. Good thing like abraham He is willing to listen to our cry or concern
jowend on January 31, 2014 at 10:02 am
To get God out of the box read and study the Word of God. The more we understand what God is all about the harder it is to find a box that He will fit in
Wayne on January 31, 2014 at 11:50 am
If your a Christian and live like one read and believe the Bible you’d have to put yourself in a box for Christ lives in you.
rhondalee on January 31, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Our God IS an awesome God!!! He does not fit in any of the boxes I’ve tried to put Him in and I couldn’t agree more with jowend; the more I read God’s word and spend time with Him, I have no desire whatsoever to try and put Him in a box. I also find myself thinking out of the box and living and loving peacefully! THANK YOU JESUS CHRIST!! Thank you Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for the truth HAS set me FREE from that “box”!