You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. — EXODUS 20:3–4
In ministry, God-centered worship can be a challenge. We may serve the Lord and yet secretly serve ourselves. What happens when the song you are playing or singing on any given Sunday does not turn out the way you intended? If you become frustrated, is it because God did not receive your best, or because it made you look bad?
Thank you for listening to this episode of Declaring His Glory Among the Nations: Daily Scripture Meditations from Pastors Around the World.
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Israel was to be wholly devoted to God. He had redeemed them from Egypt, and as the only true God He demanded exclusive worship. The surrounding nations had many gods, and they worshiped everything but the true God. They made themselves gods according to their own desires and passions. Despite the seriousness of the command for exclusive worship, Israel kept following the examples of those around them. They disobeyed, worshiping other gods and making idols—which was blatant sin against God.
Today we are also tempted to worship idols, but in a subtler way. We compromise our worship. We sacrifice our faithfulness to Him. We cherish things that are worthless. We can be prone to follow idols—whether in pew or pulpit.
In ministry, God-centered worship can be a challenge. We may serve the Lord and yet secretly serve ourselves. What happens when the song you are playing or singing on any given Sunday does not turn out the way you intended? If you become frustrated, is it because God did not receive your best, or because it made you look bad? What about the lesson that you prepared so hard to teach but did not deliver very well? Do you truly feel bad for the glory of God or for yourself? Have you made an idol of yourself, of our own image and reputation?
Paul, in Colossians 3:5, commands us to put to death anything “which amounts to idolatry.”
Be vigilant. Guard your heart. Beware the risks of not ascribing full devotion to God. He alone is God; turn your eyes toward Him today!