Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the LORD!”
The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry. Ex 32:5-6

For some reason I love this story. Maybe it’s because it hits so close to home.

First let me start with a reminder that Aaron has not stood before God or heard from Him like Moses; instead God told Moses that Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say. Ex 4:16

Years of being in Egypt polluted what the Hebrew’s knew or believed about God, even for Aaron. The result was a golden calf and a festival, all dedicated to the LORD or Yahweh.
The next morning the people offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Both would be required in the Law.

The people dedicated pagan worship to the Holy God. They made their excuse that it was for God.

Here is where it hits close to home – the same thing is happening today. People are dedicating and worshipping God in ways that are strictly pagan.
I know someone that got a scripture tattoo and then said it was for God.
I don’t want to get into a legal debate with the Law and grace, or offend anyone with a tat, but it is written do not mark your skin with tattoos. Lev 19:28
God doesn’t want His word on your skin – He wants the word in your heart and in your mouth.

You have to learn God’s word in order to keep God’s word.

This past Easter could be another example. Some say that it was once a pagan holiday that became Christianized in order to appease converts. I’ve also heard the same about Christmas.
If you worship God and God only on a day called Easter is it any different than worshipping God and God only on a day called Independence Day?

God should be worshipped each and every day. Trouble brews when outside influences enter into the worship; bunnies, eggs, trees, lights, and wreaths.

You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve. Luke 4:8
The more you learn about God the more you’ll worship Him. The more you worship Him, the more you will serve Him only.