There’s a popular store where you create your own stuffed animals. The process involves choosing a “shell”, filling it with fluff, accessorizing, then taking the new made-to-order friend home. It may seem like a modern concept, but many ancient cultures developed their deities in much the same way. They imagined, designed, and worshipped gods that were made from their own ideas; and on several occasions, the Apostle Paul mentioned it. For example:

“Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the image of corruptible man.” – Romans 1:22-23 NKJV

It’s easy to dismiss that verse as applicable only to “pagans”, but is it? The ancients made their gods according to personal preferences, but it can be a potential problem for modern worshippers too. Slowly and unintentionally, the “less-preferred” parts of the Bible can be minimized, while “more-preferred” parts are highlighted. At that point, there’s danger of “creating” an image more suitable to our liking. Consider Paul’s original word-picture; “sophia” (wise) is basically our English “sophisticated” and “moros” (fool) is basically our English “moron”. In other words, the All-Powerful Living God of the scriptures isn’t subject to our interpretations, and true spiritual “sophistication” begins with acknowledgement of that simple fact.

Is your view of God a proper balance of His character traits? Will you give Him the honor, thanks and worship He deserves today?