Dirk Taljaard

Reading from Scripture

Exodus 20: 3

Worship no god but Me.

The very first commandment is an instruction as to WHO should be worshipped: God, and God alone. Everything and everybody else, if worshipped, become idols. That is what the definition of idolatry states: … instead of the one true God …. to devise or have something else on which to place our trust.

We may try to exonerate ourselves by thinking that we do not have idols similar to those referred to in the Bible. But what ‘image’ of God do you have? How do you picture Him? Many of us think in pictures. All of these limit Him. The way we picture Him, determines reality for us. And that could also translate into the way we treat Him.

Many a times we treat God as a spare wheel. He’s there, but only remembered when in need. Sometimes we try and ‘twist his arm’ to get what we want. We try to manipulate Him into surrendering to our wishes. On the other hand, we often worry ourselves into a state to find solutions to challenges, whilst He is left to be an onlooker.

Many things become so important that all of our energy, time and money get channelled down those avenues. Creation becomes more important than the Creator! Just think for a moment: how much time do you invest into your work, your family, your recreation, compared to the time spent in quiet time with God? Do you also invest time into spiritual growth for yourself and your family? Which principles come into play whenever you need to take an important decision: your own situation, or the will of God?

When we proclaim Him to be Lord of our lives, our own needs and wants and wishes start playing second fiddle to His. We then seek his kingdom and his will. We are filled with a new passion, irrespective of the consequences. People’s opinions do not matter anymore. Our desire is to take as many people as possible along with us on this journey.

Lord, I put my trust in You, alone. Amen.