Devotional
The Ten Commandments begin with a profound statement that sets the stage for everything else: ‘You shall have no other gods before me.’ This isn’t just the first rule in a list—it’s the foundation upon which all other commandments stand. Why did God start here? Because He understands our hearts better than we do. Our struggle with this command isn’t new. Since the Garden of Eden, humanity has wrestled with a fundamental tension: we want to be God more than we want to obey God. We desire control, autonomy, and the right to determine what’s best for ourselves. Yet God, in His wisdom, calls us to something better—a relationship of trust where we acknowledge Him as the true authority in our lives. When we place God first, we’re not merely checking a religious box. We’re acknowledging a profound truth: that our Creator knows what’s best for us. His commands aren’t arbitrary restrictions but loving guardrails designed to lead us toward flourishing. The question isn’t whether we’ll worship something—it’s what we’ll worship. And only one object of worship leads to life.
Bible Verse
‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.’ – Proverbs 3:5
Reflection Question
What areas of your life do you find most difficult to surrender to God’s authority, and why might you be reluctant to fully trust Him with those things?
Quote
“Many times, our desire to be god is greater than our desire to obey God.”
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to take Your place as the authority in my life. Help me to trust Your wisdom above my own understanding. Reveal to me the areas where I’m still holding back from fully surrendering to You. I acknowledge that You alone are God, and I am not. Thank You for Your patience with me. Amen.