Part of the motivation for idol worship is to restrict God’s activity in our lives. We do that by trying to limit or control His presence. Sometimes, we go so far as to try to create a God that is more manageable and more suited to accommodating our wants and desires.

For instance, if I don’t like the fact that God says, “Don’t commit adultery,” I just adjust my image of God. I can just choose to believe that God doesn’t care about that kind of thing anymore. I know what the Bible says about sexual immorality, but this is a new day. Surely God has lightened up. I don’t think He sees my immorality as that big of a deal. What a dangerous game to play.

I have seen people change their theology (belief about God) because they can’t justify their lifestyle and their beliefs any other way. That is an attempt to create God in their image.

I have watched as parents alter their view of God to accommodate the lifestyle choices of their children. I get why they try to do it. It is their attempt to manage God and make God like us.

Their behavior reminds me of the story of a little girl who told her teacher she was drawing a picture of God. The teacher said, “But nobody knows what God looks like.” The girl said, “They will when I get through.”

That’s cute when you are 5.

But I know a lot of adults who are trying to do that exact same thing. They’re attempting to create the God they desire, and that is not cute. It is dangerous.

A God created in my own image will justify my lifestyle. That way, I don’t have to change a thing. It is like we want God in our lives, but we want Him there in small, controlled, pre-measured doses and only on our terms. We don’t want to let God get out of control or out of hand. I want just enough of God to bless me, but I certainly don’t want Him trying to run my life.

A lot of people are looking for a god that they can control and manipulate. People try to manipulate God by saying things like, “God, You owe me this.” They demand certain things of God. They try to bargain with God.

We need to remember God is not a puppet.

You cannot control, manipulate, bargain with or demand things of Almighty God. We are to worship and honor Him and Him alone.

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].