God's Rightful Place

"Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts." - 1 John 5:21 (NLT)

When the Israelites complained about the manna God miraculously provided, He "sent fiery serpents . . . they bit the people; and[many] . . . died" (Numbers 21:6). Eventually, Israel repented and begged God to remove the snakes. So God told Moses to make a bronze serpent, mount it on a pole and that whoever looked at it would behealed. It was an amazing provision, and one that worked. So what became of it? The Bible says Hezekiah "Broke in pieces the bronze serpent . . . Moses had made, for . . . Israel burned incense to it" (2 Kings 18:4 NAS). For centuries they preserved, protected and polished it, dragging it with them everywhere, until they ended up worshipping it. Something that had once been a blessing became an idol.

Think it can't happen? John the Apostle says, "Keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts." Anything or anybody can become an idol: your church, your children, your mate, your job, your home, your car, your education. Don't get the wrong idea; there's nothing wrong with enjoying these blessings. It's only wrong when they attempt to take God's rightful place!

Jesus said, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be." (Luke 12:34 NLT) And again, "For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." (Matthew 12:34b NLT) Where you choose to invest your time, energy, and money, what you talk and think about, reveals what's in your heart. Christ wants to be "first in everything" (Colossians 1:18 NLT) without exception. Plus, when He's at the center of your life, everything else is just window-dressing.

Edifying, Encouraging & Enlightening,Excelsius
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