05/06/2024
By Pastor Vinnie Cappetta
"First in Our Hearts: Realigning Our Devotion to God"
As we walk our faith journey, there's a question that often circles back: What truly captures our hearts and minds?
Ralph Waldo Emerson once observed, "The gods we worship write their names on our faces, be sure of that. And a man will worship something—have no doubt about that. He may think that his tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of his heart—but it will out. That which dominates will determine his life and character." So, let's reflect together today: whom or what do we truly give our affection to the most?
In our modern era, the face of idolatry has changed. It’s no longer just about statues and altars. Adrian Rogers clarifies this shift: "An idol is anything you love more, fear more, value more, or serve more than you do Almighty God." Our idols might be our gadgets, our career, our relationships, or even our comfort. These aren’t inherently negative, but they can subtly take the place of God in our lives.
God's commandments in Exodus emphasize His desire for our sole devotion:
"You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." (Exodus 20:4-6)
God’s jealousy is not like human jealousy. It's rooted in a deep, protective love, seeking the best for us—true joy and fulfillment found only through Him.
Let’s take this opportunity to look inward. What might be today's "graven images" in our lives? Are we inadvertently placing our work, social media, or other interests above our commitment to God? Are we treating God merely as a means to an end?
To realign our devotion, here are some steps we can undertake:
- Prioritize Spiritual Disciplines: Cultivate a daily practice of prayer and scripture reading to nurture our relationship with God.
- Engage in Regular Self-Assessment: Take time periodically to evaluate what takes precedence in our lives. This can help identify potential idols.
- Seek Accountability: Sharing our journey with trusted friends or mentors can help maintain our focus on God.
Placing God first fundamentally transforms us. I encourage you to either commit or recommit to making God the foremost priority in your life. Let's pray together:
"Lord, guide us to identify and remove the idols in our lives. Grant us the strength to prioritize You above everything else. May our lives reflect Your love and grace. Amen."
As Jesus reminded us, showing our love for Him involves obedience: "If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)
Let this be our heartfelt dedication—keeping God first in our hearts.
