The Ten Commandments

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r gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

I used to think that this sin no longer existed. In college I didn’t know anyone who believed in pagan gods. And I certainly knew that I had no other gods! But the Lord showed me that anything can be a god – anything placed before the true and living God is grievous to our Lord. During my life, I’ve had other gods – television, career, fame; all which I wish I hadn’t fallen for, all which are covered by His grace. The world is full of gods! People can even make gods of themselves. I used to work with a woman whose goal in life was to please herself – she told me this. She claimed to be a Christian, but didn’t believe that Jesus was the only way. This woman decided that she hated me and made my last months at that company miserable. I’m having a hard time liking this woman right now, but I still love her and am praying for her. When you live for yourself, everything that doesn’t please you and make you happy is your enemy.
Jesus said that the greatest commandment is that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. When this first commandment is not obeyed, all else crumbles. If you do not love God who is perfect and HOLY, how can you then love your neighbor who is imperfect and
a sinner?

“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. ” Exodus 20:4

My parents were very sensitive to this commandment, so I always prided myself on not being an idolater. Again, the Lord showed me that even my wrong ideas about Him were a form of idolatry. Any image we build in our minds about God that is not from His word is an idol. This world is filled with worship of idols. Some people view God a jolly fellow in Heaven who winks upon their sins. Others view Him as a vindictive dictator who is out to make their lives miserable...