The Second Commandment - 2nd Commandment

God's second commandment of the Ten Commandments is a continuation from the first commandment. In the first commandment God tells us to have no other gods before him. God our creator knowing us so well knows we are challenged with obedience tells us in his second commandment how to keep the first commandment. The second commandment provides detail of what God considers putting other gods before him. He gives explicit instructions on how we are to love him.

The Second Commandment of The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 4-6)

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven 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. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments."


As recorded in the book of Exodus, God gives further instructions to Moses what we ought not do and what he expects us to do to honor him through worship.

"Ye shall not make me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold." Exodus 20: 23

 God gives specific instructions on how we should worship him in Exodus 20: 24.

"An alter of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice therein thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee."
God gives further instruction on the resources we can use to build the alter in Exodus 20: 25 "And if thou wilt make me an alter of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it."


Go also provides instruction on what not to do at the alter in Exodus 20: 26. "Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon." This makes since, it is hard to stay focused on worshipping God if you are looking up someone's dress or looking at his or her bottom.
Are you obedient to the first and second commandment? Are you bowing down to other gods. Are you worshipping things of the earth?  Hopefully you answered Yes, No and No. If you answered differently, then it is time to make a change today. Evaluate what and whom you worship. Do you fear (respect and reverence) God more than your boss, your spouse, your children, your money, your car, your parents, and your life?

When we fully respect and reverence God, we will receive his reward eternal life. Find a way to show God you respect and reverence today.