It is our insecurity regarding our acceptance with God which is the reason we make idols. We look at our knowing of Him (which fluctuates so much) instead of His knowing us in Christ. We are desperately trying to firm up a positive self-image by using our idols. Paul reminds us that the gospel shows us we don’t need to make ourselves beautiful or lovable to God; He already knows us. If this is the case, we don’t need to make an idol out of other people’s approval or even our own self-approval.