“But they flattered him with their mouths;
they lied to him with their tongues.
Their heart was not steadfast toward him;
they were not faithful to his covenant.”
– Psalm 78:36-37
Psalm 78 is a beautiful review of Israel’s history. However, the problems described throughout the psalm usually weren’t one-time issues. The truth is that God’s people still struggle with what’s described in these verses! We flatter God with our mouths. We sing and say beautiful words of praise in church and perhaps even in social situations. Yet our hearts easily wander away from the Lord and obedience can be lacking from day to day.
Few Christians would say that anything or anyone is more important to them than God. We definitely say the right words. But do our lives reflect hearts that are fixed steadfastly on God as #1? Often our hearts are very much more concerned with earthly matters of work, family, money, power, reputation, fame, comfort, pleasure, security, or control. These things can be good and important but not if they are the dominant concern of our mind and heart.
Are your emotions driven more by God or by people or things around you? What gets you most excited? What gets your mind racing and heart pumping on any given day? What gets you most scared? Most anxious? Most exhilarated? Is it God? A person? A thing?
What fills your daily schedule and monthly calendar? Are they full of the things of God or of people, places, and things?
What would your bank and credit card statements say is the dominant theme of you life? God’s Kingdom or your own?
Don’t let God merely be one good thing among many in your life! It’s the natural tendency for Christians and the opposite of what Jesus taught. If you do, you will miss out on so very many blessings. Make the Lord #1 at all times and in all ways. #FollowJesus