Aurel Gheorghe

God's commandment is clear and simple: "You shall have no other gods besides me” (Ex 20:3) and for most there isn't confusion about its meaning. However, it can become confusing when we try to personalize the commandant because what it might be a god for me might not be a god for someone else. OT Israel worshiped many gods and forsaken the Lord many times (Deut 29:26; 2 Kings 3:27; 17:16, 17; 2 Chron 33:6). Hopefully we don't offer babies to Baal as burnt-offering - but are we any better? 

We need food, clothes, cars, houses, furniture, etc. However, when we spend all our time, money and effort in pursuit of things that otherwise are good needful things, that might become a god if no time is left for the true God. 

To some it can be entertainment or jewelry, or cars, to others professional sports or fashion. Fleur restaurant in Las Vegas sells a $5000 burger (yes, five thousand dollars) - some people eat to live others live to eat. Others spend most of their adult lives acquiring university degrees - how many Ph.Ds. does one need? 

I read about a man who spends all day-long watching Elvis movies – he dresses like him, talks him, walks like him, his entire life is dedicated to imitating Elvis – Christians should imitate God (Eph 5:1). 

A preacher once suggested a test: place your Bible next to the TV remote control and keep track of how many times a day you reach for the remote and how many times for the Bible – also keep track of the time spent watching secular TV (not all TV is bad) and how much time spent in the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:4). By the end of the day you should know who is your true Lord. 

I'm aware of people who spend 4 to 5 hours watching a baseball or football game and if there are extra innings or overtime, all the better – but how about if the preacher goes a few minutes past 12 noon? 

Ever watched a sporting event where a trophy is being awarded? I find it rather interesting how the athlete (or team of athletes) immediately grabs and kiss the trophy. Is this a form of worship? 

We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart (Matt 22:37) thus anything that interfere in our relationship with God or take away from the service due to Him could be an idol. 

Can we make an idol out of a family member(s) and be willing to forsake the Lord for that person(s)? (Luke 14:26) - sadly some have done that (Judges 14:3; 1 Kings 11:1, 2). 

But the best way to find out what truly is in our heart is to ask God and pray David’s prayer (Ps 139:23, 24). God will be happy to tell us!

April 27 2020 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report