No Other Gods

“Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. . . do not give in or listen." (Deut. 13: 6 - 8a, NLT)

The first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me". God is a jealous god. He wants no one taking His place. And, if this occurs, there is a due penalty for our sin. Serious enough that God said "stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the Lord your God . . . " (vs. 10a). Fortunately, through Christ's death on the cross, the consequences for our sinful behavior are not so extreme today.

But, even so, God still will not tolerate idolatry. In today's world, there are different forms of "gods and idols". Money, relationships, careers, etc. can be put ahead of your relationship with God. Anything that pulls you away from God---takes more of your time and energy than serving God---can become an idol. Do you wake up thinking about that lucrative job you have? Is that the last thing on your mind at night? Are you thinking about ways to make more money during most of your waking hours? Then, you may want to evaluate this area of your life.

And, furthermore, are there close friends or relatives who are pulling you away from your relationship with God? God wants you to have close family ties, but not at the expense of spending less time with Him. In a marriage relationship, it's important to encourage one another in order to help strengthen the spiritual life of your spouse.

Last, but not least, it's sad to say that even religion can become an idol. There are those who will spend more time obeying the rules and regulations of a denomination, than they do in having a "relationship" with Jesus Christ. And, God says, these things should never be. He wants us to lay aside any thing, regardless of how good it may seem, that hinders us in really "knowing" Him!

"Dear God, may we always put you first and foremost in our daily life. Amen."