It Should be God Above All Else
Scripture Passage: Romans 1:18-25 (NASB)
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and crawling creatures.
24 Therefore God gave them up to vile impurity in the lusts of their hearts, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
SUMMARY
This passage describes the wrath of God towards people who have knowledge about God and His power and divine nature. The people understand He is there, just by seeing creation and can perceive His presence, yet they refuse to honor Him, and as a result have hearts that are dark and worship idols and images instead of the true creator. The passage ends by saying that as a result of their unwillingness to follow God, He leaves them to the “vile impurity in the lusts of their heart” (vs 24).
MEDITATION
As I mediated on this passage I realized the importance of purity in my heart. Things in this world are just God’s creation and are not meant to be desired above God. He is the original source and creator. Lust and craving for things on this earth have devastating consequences. Actually it is in God’s protection and love that He withholds things I want sometimes and disciplines me when I am going far from Him. He never leaves me in my sin alone, but always draws me back close to Him again.
APPLICATION
I find value and stability in job security. Perhaps more nowadays because of covid pandemic being extended, I have become more anxious about work and making money. I have been going in person service on Sundays, but last Sunday I skipped in person service to finish things for work and was not prioritizing my time to go to worship service. I realize I had the wrong heart attitude because I put my work first on the Sabbath day when I should put God first and I was serving my job and not God who created me and also provides everything for me.
I already know God and it is not okay to keep going this way. I repent that I put lesser value things ahead of giving Him honor, thanks, and not reasoning with Him in the right way to spend my time and set priorities each day. Instead of pursuing the things of the earth, which are just His creations, I will put God first as he is the Creator of all things and will meditate on knowing God’s value is far greater.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
I pray that I see you for who you truly are, Lord of all, King of Kings. You are the creator of me and everything on earth. I pray when I look at your creation, I will be reminded of you and how great you are- instead of desiring what I see in front of me, that I will start desiring more of you. I pray that through this shift in my heart, I will put you first above all else and continue to follow you.
Amen.
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