Bottom line: The danger of treating God like a golden calf grows out of a lack of conviction for the truth of God, dedication of life to God, humiliation of self before God, and retribution against sin by God.

When we look back on the story of the golden calf and Israel's worship of this false god, we think it to be utterly ridiculous. How could the Jews turn from God is just a matter of days?
But upon examination of Ex. 32, we find that we too, even today, are tempted in the same ways the Jews were tempted.
Exodus 32 is very applicable and carries a message that every Christian needs to hear.