Obviously most Americans...
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Obviously most Americans don't have Baal or one of the other gods of antiquity, but don't some make a god of money? Power? Success? Politics? Isn't there something that we "worship" and give all our attention and support to? It may not be wrong to wish for some of these things, but do we put that at the head of our desires, hopes, and dreams? Make a list of all the things that you want and put them in order. Where does our God come in that list? Do we love him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind? The Bible is telling us from the beginning to the end that HE wants to be first on our list! He is a jealous God who doesn't want to come after all the other things on our list.
A pastor friend of mine was talking to a member who had just told him that he might have to cut back on his offering because he needed another car. My friend asked him why he had to cut back for that car. He said that he needed it for his business. Then my friend asked why he needed it for his business. The fellow was getting a bit annoyed. He said that he needed it to build up the business. When my friend continued and asked why he needed it to build up his business, the man almost shouted and said, "I have to eat! Don't I?" My friend calmly continued. "Why do you have to eat? What is the purpose of your life?" If God is not on the top of the list then what is the purpose of our lives?
This scripture puts God to the test for the people of Israel. Put your other gods on the spot and see if they can do anything for you. I have had wealthy people in my parishes and I have read accounts of wealthy people, but I haven't found one who said that money was all they needed to make them happy. They still felt an emptiness and need for something more fulfilling. I have talked with actors who said that their fame did not give them complete satisfaction. Politicians who have climbed to the top of the ladder are still not satisfied. They all want more and more and more, and nothing seems to be enough.
As that saying goes "Try God" -- if all else fails to fulfill, try God. Our life does not usually change instantly. It may not be like that offering to Baal and God. It may take years before we find out if we have made the right priorities in our life. One thing is certain, time is passing and you don't want to wait too long before testing to see if God is the answer to a fulfilled life.
A pastor friend of mine was talking to a member who had just told him that he might have to cut back on his offering because he needed another car. My friend asked him why he had to cut back for that car. He said that he needed it for his business. Then my friend asked why he needed it for his business. The fellow was getting a bit annoyed. He said that he needed it to build up the business. When my friend continued and asked why he needed it to build up his business, the man almost shouted and said, "I have to eat! Don't I?" My friend calmly continued. "Why do you have to eat? What is the purpose of your life?" If God is not on the top of the list then what is the purpose of our lives?
This scripture puts God to the test for the people of Israel. Put your other gods on the spot and see if they can do anything for you. I have had wealthy people in my parishes and I have read accounts of wealthy people, but I haven't found one who said that money was all they needed to make them happy. They still felt an emptiness and need for something more fulfilling. I have talked with actors who said that their fame did not give them complete satisfaction. Politicians who have climbed to the top of the ladder are still not satisfied. They all want more and more and more, and nothing seems to be enough.
As that saying goes "Try God" -- if all else fails to fulfill, try God. Our life does not usually change instantly. It may not be like that offering to Baal and God. It may take years before we find out if we have made the right priorities in our life. One thing is certain, time is passing and you don't want to wait too long before testing to see if God is the answer to a fulfilled life.
