Today I will begin my series on the Ten Commandants and how they relate to today’s society.  The first command is pretty straight forward.  “You shall have no other gods before me.”

Whether you call Him Jehovah, I Am, the Creator, the Holy Trinity or anything else relating to the God of Israel, He is the same.  He demands the same honor and respect.  He is all powerful and all knowing.  He loves us unconditionally and His mercy endures forever.  His timing is perfect, His wisdom not to be compared, and His grace is sufficient for all situations.  Who wouldn’t want to worship and serve a God like that?

The commandment states, no other gods before me.  Sometimes we do put other things before our service to God.  Perhaps you don’t consider that having other gods, but anything that keeps us from yielding our whole being to God, can become another god.  You don’t actually have to bow down and worship a thing for it to push almighty God from His place.

Perhaps you choose to attend church only once a month and not pay your tithe.  After all, you need all your money and the weekend is the only time you have to enjoy yourself.  If you spend every weekend on your boat on the lake,  does that replace God?  If you would rather go shopping than help a friend, does that become a god to you?  If anything or anyone takes first place in your heart, then you have chosen another god.

What things do you talk about?  Do you love to tell of the wonderful things that God has done for you?  Do you delight in giving testimony of His great love?  Or, do you tell all your friends about your new car?  Do you want others to see all the fun stuff you have, like a motorcycle or camper; your new house or fancy game system?   These things are not wrong to have and enjoy, but they shouldn’t replace your relationship with God.

There is a fine line between just enjoying your stuff and allowing it to replace God on the throne of your heart.  Only you and God can determine when you have crossed that line. Stuff is nice and can be lots of fun, but God is the best.  He will never break, or get tired, or fall in the river and leave you lying on the pavement all scrapped up.  He is aways be there for you, He will always love you, and He will never fail.