“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. And changed the glory of the un-corruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their won bodies between themselves. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Rom. 1:21-22
Today’s Christian Daily Devotional
The dictionary’s definition of worship is: “to reguard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion.”
In America, it is rare to see people bowing down to actual statues. Although you may not notice it right away, it is happening all around us, ALL THE TIME. Think of your neighbor who is a passionate Packers fan, that girl who will not miss an episode of Gossip Girls or the kid who refuses to wear anything that does not say: “Tapout” on it. Many people have a theme going on in their head 24/7. It could be shopping, their girlfriend or even work. The bottom line is, whenever any of us put anything ahead of God, we are worshiping that thing.
Look at that dictionary definition again. Honestly look at what you are passionate about. It is good to have fun and to love the pleasures and joys that God has given to all of us. To love and take care of our loved ones is a good thing, but it can become tainted when you take that love to the level of worship.
God will not share His worship with anything—even “good” things! Because the point is: It is all about God.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I know you are a God of balance and fairness. I know I have been just like the fool depicted in Rom 1:21-22. I have been ungrateful and not given you credit for the good things you have blessed me with. I have had the audacity to give my love and my devotion to pretty much whatever my whim was at that particular time. My love flowed inconsistently from objects to people, to my personal ideals and goals—to pretty much anything BUT you. I have worshiped the very things you have created instead of taking the time to stop and think that in all of their wonder and greatness; there was a GREATER being who created them to begin with, YOU. Help me, Lord. I forget so easily and focus on the world around me instead of the God who lives within me. You are the only one worthy of my worship. I pray over my heart to love you more everyday, to consistently grow in that love for you, and to always put you first no matter how blessed I get. This will actually allow the blessings you have always wanted to give me happen because I am obeying and doing things your way this time. Thank you for being the God who forgives the foolishness of a heart that has to be reminded to love Him. Amen.”