SEARCHLIGHT
What is the #1 influence in your life? What takes top priority?
SCRIPTURE
You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Joshua, who was age 10, wrote his pastor the following letter:
“Dear Pastor, my father says I should learn the Ten Commandments. But I don’t think I want to because we have enough rules already in my house.”
I’m sure you would agree there are a lot of rules and laws in this world. However, the 10 Commandments are the foundation stones to all laws that truly benefit mankind.
Are you sure that your top priority, your number one influence in your life, is really the best choice? God has kindly given everyone a clear answer as to what life’s top priority should be. The first commandment states, “You must not have any other god but me.” [NLT]… “Have no other gods but me.” [NLV] … “No other gods, only me.” [Message]… “You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.” [Amplified Classic]
There are at least 4 major “gods” people trust and depend upon. Let me identify them:
- Self – This is the god of the humanist. It is also known as secular humanism. This worldview focuses on human reason and science. Moral values develop from human experience, logic, and consequences rather than God’s commandments. Belief in God is not necessary but belief in self is of the utmost importance. Life is built around trusting yourself. It produces an arrogant self-confidence. Self followers are amused at the thought of man needing salvation. They do not believe man is a sinner separated from God. Instead, he or she is basically good. They perceive the need for a supernatural God as something for weaklings.
- State – This is where the government is reverenced as the savior of society. Everyone makes choices in light of what is best for the state. In exchange, the state asks for a person’s freedom. This worldview can work reasonably well if good men are in power. If not, then there is slavery and insecurity. History shows how Nazism, Socialism and Communism have provided security, jobs, food and medicine. Hitler went mad. Stalin exterminated millions. People lost freedom, identity, and meaning. People became cogs in a machine.
Many people today look to the state to rectify society’s problems. People want government and the United Nations to provide peace and security. God is ignored. They deny that within every person there is a need to personally know their Creator. Nobody functions with true love for others until he or she is in right relationship with God. The state can never bring solutions and relief to man’s basic needs and insecurities. A person makes a bad deal when he or she puts the state first rather than God.
- Science – This is a widespread religion. Scientists have become omniscient and omnipotent. Scientific pronouncements are authoritative. When science speaks, people believe. People make science a “sacred cow.” It is undeniable that scientific discoveries have made great contributions to the quality of life. However, science has a potential for evil or good because it has no moral compass. Genetic engineering brings a fearful thought of trying to create a perfect human race. Nuclear power can produce electricity for millions of people or destroy millions by using it as a weapon.
Science is a discipline without guiding values. It can tell us how things work but cannot tell us anything about the origins or purposes. Only God can. Read Psalm 139.
- Stuff – The god of stuff is a close relative to the god of self. This god focuses on getting more. People say, “I’ve got to have that…I can’t live without that.” Accumulating stuff promises the good life, living the dream, a better way and more fun. People who make this their #1 priority have been brainwashed by commercials. The USA is the wealthiest nation in the world but has more people in jail and more people popping pills for anxiety, worries and fears.
The god of stuff cannot fulfill its promises and provide what man really needs. Money and things cannot buy the best life. Stuff cannot provide joy and peace. God’s way is a 10- step program that is not from Alcoholics Anonymous. It is His 10 Commandments. He has kindly given us clear answers to answering top priority questions. The 10 Commandments are God’s success secrets for living.
Commandment #1 points you to your Creator. There is no other god that can compare to the one, true living God. Read 1 Samuel 2:2,3,8. God has revealed Himself to you by taking on flesh. Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God. Know God by personally knowing Jesus Christ.
St. Augustine said “Our souls are restless, Lord, until they rest in Thee.” Only God who fills the universe can fill the human heart. Make God your #1 priority and influencer in your life. You will experience life as it should be.
SOMETHING TO DO
Is there anything keeping you from fulfilling Commandment #1?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Almighty God, I know You as my loving Heavenly Father. I make You #1 in my life. You are the only God who will influence my life. Thank You for making Yourself real to me. AMEN!