No Other gods
Exodus 20:3 (ESV)
“You shall
have no other gods before me.”
This seems like a pretty
straightforward commandment, yet it is one of the most oft-broken ones of them
all. This commandment is not just referring to other gods from the many false
religions that exist, but also in anything that takes precedence in the heart
above God. Notice the word “before”, meaning in Hebrew as “in preference to me,”
or “in my presence”, or “in competition with me.”
As His created beings, we certainly
owe Him at least such allegiance. Yet, we fail so miserably.
We are, by nature, a religious creature. You may argue this point, but think beyond the concept of organized religion for a moment. We constantly are seeking something to worship, whether a person or thing. A thing could be an activity, a TV show, an object such as money, clothing, or any of the other materialistic “necessities” of life society says we must acquire. As Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21; Luke 12:34).
Our worship could be the pleasures
of life. Philippians 3:18-19 states,
“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk
as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their
belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” Such
pursuits can be as addictive as any drug.
There are also those who are so
busy with plans and projects that there is no room for God. If not our work,
then our recreation time consumes us. We not only do this to ourselves, but we
do this to our children as well. God forbid there be a day without any planned
activity! I recommend you read about Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 and ask yourself, why did Jesus rebuke Martha?
Plain and simple, we can make a god
out of anything. Whether it is self, entertainment, immorality, money, or
anything else that has priority in our life, it is not God’s desire that He is placed
second to anything. Our God is a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24; Joshua 24:19) and demands priority in our life.
Now, let me close by saying there is nothing wrong with any activity that in
itself is not sinful. It only becomes sinful when we place it above Him. I’m
not promoting an austere life devoted to chanting psalms and hymns 24/7. God created
us for fellowship with others. We were made to delight in being His children,
in using the talents He bestows and in participating in the pleasures He
offers. But, we must remember we were not created for the sole purpose of
seeking pleasure, but rather for having a relationship with Him.
Examine your own lives – is there
something keeping you from fulfilling His purpose for you? Give it a lower
priority today and “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and
all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
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