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What Does It Really Mean to Follow the Second Commandment?
- Melissa Henderson Contributing Writer
- Updated May 09, 2024
The Ten Commandments, listed in the Bible, were presented by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments, found in the book of Exodus, provide God’s laws. Exodus tells the events of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and also details Israel's becoming a nation.
God chose Moses, a son of Jochebed and Amram, to write the book of Exodus to the people of Israel around 1450-1410 BC. Each commandment is a law from God. What does it mean to follow the second commandment?
What Do All Christians Agree about the Second Commandment?
The Second Commandment states that God’s people will not worship any other gods.
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3 NIV)
Christians believe God gave the Ten Commandments as foundational guidelines to follow. These commandments were engraved on two stone tablets. Sunday School lessons often teach how God had appeared to Moses before meeting him on Mount Sinai and instructed Moses to lead Israel.
Christians believe God provided His laws as an act of love for His people. The Ten Commandments were laws for living a life dedicated to God. We don’t follow the laws to get on God’s good side. We follow His laws to show love for the Father. God gave us those laws so that we may know Him.
Exodus 20 begins by saying God spoke the words, reminding us of the importance of His laws. Then, the commandments of God continue by sharing that God brought the people out of slavery in Egypt.
There are various translations of the second commandment. While some Bibles may say, “Don’t take God’s name in vain,” the law is the same: Don’t worship anyone or anything other than God. Christians believe that when someone takes God’s name in vain, they are putting themselves first and not worshiping God.
How Often Did the Israelites Disobey the Second Commandment?
Deuteronomy 28 gives a list of blessings God will provide for obedience. Following those blessings is a list of curses or punishments for disobeying the Laws of God. Curses in their city and fields, food, curses upon their children, livestock, and travel are given.
The Israelites knew how their actions would affect life. Yet, they continued to disobey and sin. Does that sound like the world today? Yes. Christians know there are actions from God due to our sinfulness. Yet, sin continues to happen.
The Israelites continued to sin in various ways. Their lack of faith played a key role in sinning. They continued to rely on themselves instead of placing everything with God.
Complaining about bitter water at Marah, gathering more manna than they were told to collect and collecting it on the Sabbath, worshiping a golden calf, and not trusting God were just a few examples of disobedience. When things were going well, they trusted. When trouble came, they failed to seek God.
We can learn an important lesson here. Does that struggle happen to us today? Do people tend to put God aside when life is wonderful? Then, when tragedy, illness, or tough times come, is that when we seek God?
What Were the Consequences of Ignoring the Second Commandment?
God gave His commandments, and we are called to follow them. As humans, we fail and sin. Our earthly life is filled with ways to stray. However, our salvation in Christ gives us hope and peace. Does that mean we can ignore God's Second Commandment and other laws? No. We strive to honor and respect the Father by following His laws.
Believers are given the path to God through His Son Jesus Christ. We should acknowledge the sin, repent, and seek His forgiveness when we sin.
In families today, there are consequences for actions. Rules and family guidelines are established for safety, connection, love, and respect. When those rules are not followed, there may be punishment.
Ignoring the Second Commandment and making poor choices will result in consequences and punishment. When the Ten Commandments were given, the people viewed the law as a way to become prosperous in this world and Heaven. The view was that if people obeyed every law, they would earn God’s blessings. Thinking of the laws that way meant they were not truly seeking God’s love. They were searching for protection.
Moses shared God’s Word, and the people trembled with fear. Moses reminded them that God had come to test them so their fear would prevent them from sinning.
“Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” (Exodus 20:20 NIV)
However, sin still existed and continues to exist today. God tells us through Scripture that He hates any idolatry. God states that we are not to worship any carved images or likeness of anything in heaven or on earth. He tells of the consequences of those sinful acts.
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:5-6 NIV)
Think of things that might be worshiped today. Money, vehicles, social position, jobs, housing, possessions, and more. Although we think we aren’t worshiping those things, how much emphasis is placed on what we own instead of sharing the love of God with others?
How Do We Follow the Second Commandment Today?
God’s Word and His Commandments were important in Biblical times and are important today. How can we follow the Second Commandment in today’s ever-changing world?
Fortunately, we can refer to Scripture to find answers.
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” (Psalms 33:18 NIV)
That fear mentioned in Scripture is not one of being afraid of God but a posture of reverence for God. We do that when we read His Word, study His Word, ask clergy for answers if we have questions, and pray. Ask the Father to help follow His commandments.
We can also think about how we use creativity to honor God without worshipping the objects themselves. Many beautiful stained glass windows, paintings, statues, and other works of art portraying God are found throughout the world. Some botanical gardens display works of art showing Biblical scenes. Some churches display antique Bibles or Communion sets from early church years. Those pieces are representations of God, not God. While we may enjoy having those artful creations and using them for education or reflection, we do not worship those things.
God gives each of us unique gifts and qualities. With those gifts, we can share His message and love. God doesn’t want His people to worship things. Although having those meaningful items to remind us of His love, glory, and sacrifice, we can enjoy them without worshiping them. In fact, Those creative pieces may remind us of His love. When we use them in a proper context, we are freed to worship God well.
Following the Second Commandment well (avoiding worshipping things, seeking ways to revere God) can help deepen our relationship with God.
A Prayer to Follow the Second Commandment Well
Father, thank You for the Ten Commandments. Thank You for showing us how to shine Your light and love to others. May we be reminded every day to worship only You. Please guide our thoughts to focus on You and not things. In Your Name, Amen.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit:©GettyImages/allanswart
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. From core beliefs to what the Bible says about angels, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living.
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