And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. (Deuteronomy 4:19)
There is a temptation to place as our objects of worship those things that were created over the One who created them. This isn’t a new temptation; it has existed for thousands of years. What changes over time, however, is the manifestation of how this plays out.
In our world today, the objects are a little different. As a parent, it’s easy to see how parents might come to worship their children. Life changes once children arrive, and it certainly becomes a temptation to place those new little lives into the center of ours. To do so, however, is to worship the created over the Creator.
Money and possessions are another challenge. When we have sufficient means to provide for ourselves, it’s easy to think that our lives revolve around the mistaken belief that we are the ones responsible for providing. Buying into such a belief leads to worship of the created over the Creator.
God wants to be at the center of your life.
Nothing else you place at the center will provide the fulfillment and joy that your heavenly Father provides. Everything else leaves us wanting. Remember not to worship the created over the Creator; doing so only leads you away from God.
Father, there are so many things in this world that entice us to worship them. And we are a fickle people – ever quick to shift our allegiances and to forget the source of our blessings. Give me wisdom to know when I’ve placed an improper value on Your creation, and give me courage to put You back in Your proper place at the center of my life.
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