The Temptation to Place Something Else Before God
Deuteronomy 6:10–15; Matthew 4:8–11
Calendars are one possession we have an abundance of in our society. Many of us are driven by devices that aid us in planning and organization. You may have the old, reliable desk calendar, an app on your phone, a program on your computer or even reminders set to your watch, but we decide what fills our days and what constitutes a priority in our lives. The same can be said of our relationship with God.
Throughout the course of the last few lessons, we have covered some theological ground concerning temptation. Regarding temptation, the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart. The choice to sin is an intentional, deliberate action to place your desires and preferences in a more important position than God. Making our relationship with God secondary to anything is always detrimental.
We can be tempted to worship things other than God. (Matt. 4:8–11)
A few weeks ago, our family moved to a new ministry location and church to serve. If you have ever moved, you know the stress that accompanies packing, loading and setting up a new home. Only when a person moves do they fully realize the amount of stuff they have accumulated and have no use for. One of the favorite tactics of the devil is to show us the stuff we do not have, the things we cannot afford or something we think will make us happy.
The catch is, if we choose things for our satisfaction and comfort, we will also be tempted to worship these things and begin to rely less on God. Satan wants not only your attention, but he also desires your adoration. When that happens, sin is imminent.
Never forget that it is God who is at work in your life. (Deut. 6:10–12)
Are any of you sweet tea drinkers? If you are, you know the difference between tea made with sugar and tea that contains an artificial sweetener. I know that is a very elementary illustration, but consider it for a moment. Many believers are content with the fake stuff of this world and never desire the genuine blessings of God. Some would rather read about evangelism than share Christ. Some would rather own a Bible than read it, and some would rather know about God than know of Him experientially.
God has filled our lives with blessings this world could not begin to manufacture. Are we pursuing Him or the world?
When we worship God and follow Him, we will do that which pleases Him and blesses us. (13–15)
Too many of our decisions can be based on instant gratification, and we can lose sight of the big picture of both who and whose we are. As I daily resist temptation, the Lord will clear my mind — and I will see my intentions and motives in a purer fashion.
When I am seeking to please God with everything in me, I will place every decision under the light of His Word.
Before you fill in the next square on your calendar, remember that if God chooses to allow you to see that day, go ahead and commit it to Him.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
