trbccoffeebreak

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 (NIV)

While I have no ancient idol statues perched on my shelves – I’d have to admit there have been idols that have surfaced in my life. Busyness, exercise, perfectionism….do I really need to go on. Don’t think so. You may have experienced some of these too or perhaps you have your own personal list. Regardless, idols just creep in and consume our attention; we don’t even recognize them at first. Usually they disguise themselves as good things, but before we know it, we’re obsessed with them. Distracted, we find our attention shifting further and further away from the One true God.

When God says no other gods before Him – He means it – no need for interpretation here. 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. Yet the visible, tangible things in front of us often lure us away.

Real question 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. And when we remove all the rest, we will find that He is more than enough for all that we need.

“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 Women’s Life