Devotional
Many of us approach our relationship with God like we’re organizing a closet—neatly placing Him in His own compartment while keeping other areas of life separate. We might give God Sunday mornings, our mealtime prayers, or moments of crisis, but keep Him at arm’s length from our finances, relationships, or entertainment choices. The first commandment challenges this compartmentalized approach to faith. When God says, “You shall have no other gods before me,” He’s not asking to be first in a list of priorities—He’s claiming rightful lordship over every aspect of our lives. There is no area where His wisdom, guidance, and authority don’t apply. This total surrender isn’t about losing our identity or joy—it’s about finding them fully in the One who created us. When God occupies His rightful place in our lives, everything else finds its proper perspective. Our work becomes worship, our relationships reflect His love, and our decisions align with His purposes. A compartmentalized faith will always leave us divided and unfulfilled, but a life fully surrendered to God brings integration and peace.
Bible Verse
‘Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ – Psalm 37:4
Reflection Question
What areas of your life have you been keeping separate from God’s influence, and what might change if you invited Him fully into those spaces?
Quote ‘No other gods before me’ doesn’t just mean God’s first in his compartment. It means God is first in every compartment.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the ways I’ve tried to compartmentalize my faith. I invite You into every area of my life—my relationships, my work, my finances, my recreation, and my private thoughts. Help me to see that Your lordship isn’t restrictive but liberating. Teach me what it means to delight in You above all else. Amen.