Title
The Second Commandment
Scripture
"You shall not make for yourself a carved image."
(Exodus 20:4)
Devotional
What are the carved or graven images of your life? I doubt that you have a statue or hand made idol that you refer to as your god, but I would not be surprised that there are things in our lives that are idolized and revered to the point of verging on worship. Here's a test: is there anything inanimate in your life that has priority over those who have been created in the image of God? Do you value any thing more than you value the things God values? You may not have carved it, but it has been carved by someone. There are icons, medals, statues and shrines that have been and are venerated to the point of worship. These are by all means graven images. From good luck charms to a crucifix, these meet the measure of a carved image when they are thought to have any power or authority. Therefore let us clearly distinguish the difference between an emblem or symbol and a carved or graven image.