We Must Remove Anything That Threatens to Push God Aside
Asaph writes that God’s ways are holy, and that no other god is as great as he. Great is our God. In the context of that day, other gods refers to idols or made-up deities aside from the God revealed in Scripture.
Today bowing down to idols and making up gods to worship doesn’t often happen in a literal sense. But in a figurative manner we do this all the time.
Here are some modern-day gods that many people effectively worship and serve as their lord:
Money
In many cultures, people pursue money as if it’s the only thing that matters. They don’t just want money to live, but they live for money and love money.
They treat their investment portfolio and their bank balance as a scorecard for success.
Their priorities are wrong. What the world values is seldom what God values. Instead of trusting in money, they should trust in God.
We cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13).
Possessions
In developed countries, people are materialistic. Having more than enough money to supply their daily needs, many use their excess wealth to accumulate possessions.
They buy stuff with the expectation that it will make them happier and more fulfilled. It never does.
My dad often said, “You don’t own things. They own you.” He was so wise. Remember, God blesses us so that we can bless others.
Instead of seeking solace through possessions, we should first seek connection with the Almighty (Matthew 6:33).
Influence
Another thing some people elevate too highly in their lives is the ability to influence others. Influence isn’t necessarily bad. We can influence others to follow Jesus (see Matthew 5:16). And we should.
Yet for some, the unbridled quest of influence has surpassed their quest for God.
Respect
Others pursue the god of respect. I see this happen too often among church leaders who insist their followers addressed them using their credentials, such as Reverend, Doctor, or Father.
This was prevalent in Jesus’s day, too, and he warned against it (Matthew 23:9 and Mark 12:38-39).
Though descriptive titles can aid in understanding, they can also become a sense of pride. Examples I often hear include senior pastor, lead pastor, and teaching pastor.
Approval
Another consideration is seeking the approval of others. We may have a psychological need to earn someone’s approval. But this isn’t God’s intention. Paul warns against this and writes that we should only seek God’s approval (Galatians 1:10).
Great is our God
None of these pursuits—money, possessions, influence, respect, or approval—are necessarily bad. But when we chase after them like gods, we run the risk of them becoming more important to us then God.
Great is our God. Everything else is secondary, if even that.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Psalm 76-80 and today’s post is on Psalm 77:13.]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
Bogged Down Reading the Bible?
Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.