“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 (NIV)
While I have no ancient idols perched on my shelves – I’d have to admit there have been idols that have surfaced in my life. Didn’t recognize them at first; they just crept in consuming my attention. Before I knew it, I was obsessed with them. Distracted, I found my attention shifting away from the One true God. There’s no need for interpretation here – when God says no other gods before Him – He means it. So why do we attempt to lift up others, things, or ourselves in our pursuits as if He wasn’t enough. It is really no surprise that God would give this commandment first because everything else hinges on those words. We can’t receive His power, strength, or wisdom apart from giving Him first place in our lives. So what imposters are taking us away from the One God that truly satisfies? What would cause us to even look or consider placing anything above Him? The Giver of life, Sustainer of our souls and Redeemer of our hearts has earned the right to be our First Love. Are we willing to tear down those things we have erected? How do we let them go so there is nothing else standing in the way? It’s elementary – yet its crucial if we want to serve Him, enjoy Him and glorify Him then we’ve got to place God higher than anything or anyone else in our lives. Total devotion is what He desires; it’s what He requires.
“Father, When we are willing to surrender everything, we finally realize that You alone are worthy of our devotion.”
For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break
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