Reading this, I would guess you’re thinking one or the other:  “I don’t have idols” or “Hmm, I admit that I do have idols.”  Either way, we’re going to talk about this very important commandment, because I believe this is very serious to God. But before we get started, you need to know, what are idols, exactly? Simply stated, it’s anything that we put before God and worship, whether an object or excessive devotion/admiration.

Exodus 20:3-4 says, “Do not worship any other gods besides me. Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or fish.” This is God’s word. It’s actually, His command. And we should honor it, wholeheartedly.  

Now, some might say, “But I don’t worship any other gods. I only worship God.” Listen, worship is not only something where you lift up your hands in church or at home; yet, it’s anything that we deem supreme in our lives whether in word, mind, heart, figure, and/or in action (i.e. love a lot, spend a lot of time pondering and thinking or talking about, giving a lot of attention and affection towards, and obedience to). Let’s go a little deeper as I give you some real life examples of potential idols (i.e. your car, house, school, dreams, ambitions, career, certain TV programs, sports, sororities/fraternities, statues, your children, mate, family, friends, your social life, and even social media). Sometimes even ministry can become an idol if you put the work higher than your personal relationship with God (I know this from experience). So we must be careful!

Look, if you truthfully examined yourself through this list, you may give it a little more thought about this very important commandment and hopefully receive a little more clarity of how God feels about it. It’s so easy to get out of balance. But in this last hour, God is reminding and quickening us through the busyness of life to remember His commandments. And I believe that the key is keeping our consciences clear with God through obeying His word, and having our priorities in order by keeping Him first (in everyday life and devotion). Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Now, please don’t take this Scripture out of context…these other things must be according to His will. 1 John 5:14 says, “And we can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will.” Furthermore, know that He is a jealous God. His word says so. Exodus 20:5 says, “You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god.” Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

So I encourage you to think about these Scriptures the next time you find yourself getting out of balance or placing things in your life higher than your personal relationship with God. We all get this heart check from time to time, but we must be honest with ourselves and God. So if your kids are first, bump them down. If your job is first, bump it down. If your husband is first, bump him down (with all due respect)…Get it? God is first. Put everything in its proper place. We have to place our priorities in order and get rid of the idols (especially those things that are not like Him). He wants it all…today.

John 14:15 says, “If you love me, then keep my commandments.”

~Courtnaye

Check out this video and listen for God (song "He Wants It All")... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEcqTu52gZ4

Thanks for reading! I pray that God will continue to enlighten you to live for Him through His word in your daily life. Stay tuned for new blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on Inside Out with Courtnaye. You can see blogs on my website by visiting www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org or receive it by “Liking” my Facebook by clicking here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129#!/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129. Also, follow me on Twitter by inoutwcourtnaye. Thanks again! Leave a comment and share.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]