No, I'm not talking about my sun-tanned legs. I'm referring to the times when we change our ideas and opinions of God to fit our own desires.

Sometimes it's subtle, others times it's more blatant. Take a look at Exodus 32. Just like in the story of the Golden Calf, there are times when I melt down the word of God and act on it in the way I want.

The story helps point out three areas of my life where I may do this:

• I can get impatient - The people got bored waiting for Moses. I can get bored waiting for God's will in my life. It should be on His time frame, not mine.
• I can desire comfort too much - The people were eating and drinking and dancing. There's nothing wrong with having fun. However, the focus and priority can become amusing ourselves over God's will. Moderation comes too mind. Anyone who has experienced a hangover know's what I am talking about. Desiring too much comfort can cause a kind of spiritual hangover. I need to do God's will because it is best for me even if it threatens my comfort level.
• I can become corrupt - The people desired something to the point of breaking God's Word. This can happen when I want to be rich, get a promotion, negotiate a deal that's not win-win, but more win for me. It happens in our relationships with our spouses, friends, and family too. This is a big one. I need to keep God's word and resist the temptations of corruption no matter how subtle.

In the end of the story, Moses burns the calf and turns it into powder. He then pours the powder into some water and makes the people drink form it. The NJB footnotes say the drink became a "water of cursing". The good news for us is that we have Jesus and if we drink in the holy spirit we can avoid the impatience, desire for comfort, and corruption. We can drink His "water of blessing" and be satisfied at be at peace.

What are the Golden Calves in your life?