Above God?

“I never made a conscious decision to place materialism over God; however, I allowed and watered a fleshy desire to grow and take root in my heart.”

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Deuteronomy 5:7 ESV

There was a time in my life I was hyper focused on chasing the idea of having an aesthetically pleasing home. You know, the homes that are Instagram and Pinterest worthy. The homes that are always clean, big, and trendy. 

Sadly, I fell hard into this trap culture set. This trap that says materialism brings happiness, materialism brings completeness. I was convinced that if I just had a bigger and prettier house, my family would be happier, and my life would feel complete.

This trap gripped me. 

This trap consumed me. 

This trap became my god.

I never made a conscious decision to place materialism over God; however, I allowed and watered a fleshy desire to grow and take root in my heart. 

Can you relate? Perhaps there’s something you’re placing above God. What is consuming your heart, mind, and actions? 

Maybe it’s your children, a job, money, experiences, independence, worry, fear, an unhealthy habit… or maybe you’re like me and it’s materialism. 

One of my favorite pastors, Matthew Johnson from the Tree Church, posed a question that permanently sunk into my heart.  If aliens followed you around for a day or week, what would they think you worshiped? Who would they think was your god?

How do we avoid placing something above God? Be constantly and consistently present in your relationship with God. Seek Him. Listen to Him. Obey Him.

“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29). 

Action Steps: 

• If you identified something placed over God – pray, ask for forgiveness, and release it to God. 

• Be present in your relationship with God by spending some time with Him (praying, listening to praise and worship, reading devotionals, studying His word). 

Written by Amy, mom of 2, worshiper of God

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