No Other God

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me.” -- Exodus 20:2-3

I’m nothing if not loyal. It’s one of my stronger attributes.  Loyalty is a trait that appears to be in limited supply, these days. I certainly want to be somebody who is known for being loyal to his friends, family, and most of all his Lord.  Loyalty does not occur automatically. Just like other behavior traits and characteristics, one must consistently evaluate the status of a given trait. Am I being faithful? Am I being honest? Am I consistently serving others whom I love? Where do my loyalties ultimately lie?

There are seasons of life where I must be reminded that Yahweh is GOD. In the hustle and bustle of daily living our hearts are often torn in numerous directions. Then the sweet grace of God breaks through and I am reminded that Yahweh is God. Indeed, I am effervescently reminded that Yahweh is my God. My every breath, dream, and desire is to be oriented around the one true God, to whom I owe my very existence and allegiance.

There are seasons of life where I must be reminded who delivered me out of “Egypt.”  The land of Promise was far greater than the land of slavery for the Israelites, but it was not a land of ease and tranquility. Life is filled with many ups and downs, but every day — every breath — is a gift of God. Having departed a land of slavery, we often times become accustomed to greater pastures and forget that from which we have been delivered. I would do well to take a brief respite every now and again to recall everything from which I have been delivered, rescued, and saved.

There are seasons of life where I must remember to have no other God but Yahweh. Idols surround us everywhere we go. They vie for our hearts on a daily basis. If we are not attentive and vigilant we will find ourselves being seduced by false gods which are incapable of providing what we ultimately need. Martin Luther astutely pointed out that if we keep the first of the 10 Commandments (“You shall have no other gods before me”), then we will ultimately keep all ten.  When we allow God to have His rightful place, He becomes the prevailing influence upon our hearts, we will love Him and serve Him consistently and effectively.  
 
Word for the way:
Yahweh is the true God who has delivered me from darkness and I shall have no other God but him.