This is something God has taught me, in a very real way, over the last couple of years.
We read this and we think "well yeah, duh." However, do we really live this out?
Let me share about me a little.
After having Landon and becoming a Mom, I realized pretty quick that my natural tendency is to put Landon in that #1 spot. That spot reserved only for God.
Things make terrible gods. So do people.
Nothing or nobody can take the place of God in that #1 spot.
When I was working through this, God very clearly gave me a picture to help me truly "get it" and understand how to practically apply it to my life. It's one of the only times He's given me this clear of a picture with something.
I could see Landon standing on one side and God on the other. Landon was holding a paper heart that represented my love, devotion, focus, attention - everything. Standing beside Him was God with his hands empty. Nothing.
You see, your heart can't be divided. It goes in one piece. We can't give half of it here and half of it there.
This picture was a reality check for me. I was so convicted and saddened by the fact that God was standing there with NOTHING from me, while Landon had it all. The picture of handing my heart (my #1 spot) over to Landon while God stood there empty handed was eye opening.
Now, there's nothing wrong at all with loving our children, devoting ourselves to them, and prioritizing them in our lives. However....the problem comes when they become our #1. When we give them everything we have, leaving nothing for God.
I realized that I had to realign my priorities and put God back in that #1 spot. I learned that in doing that, it didn't mean that Landon got nothing - He got way more from me. By putting God back #1, He gave me the strength and patience and guidance to be the best Mom I can be. To love Landon even better. All because God was back in His rightful place in my life.
What's in your #1 spot? Your kids? Your job? Your things? Your husband? Your dreams? Your body?
Spend some time today with the Lord. Talk through this with Him. Ask for forgiveness and repent for allowing other things to take His spot in your life. Put Him back there. Set boundaries so you don't do it again and ask loved ones to help keep you accountable.
"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
We read this and we think "well yeah, duh." However, do we really live this out?
Let me share about me a little.
After having Landon and becoming a Mom, I realized pretty quick that my natural tendency is to put Landon in that #1 spot. That spot reserved only for God.
Things make terrible gods. So do people.
Nothing or nobody can take the place of God in that #1 spot.
When I was working through this, God very clearly gave me a picture to help me truly "get it" and understand how to practically apply it to my life. It's one of the only times He's given me this clear of a picture with something.
I could see Landon standing on one side and God on the other. Landon was holding a paper heart that represented my love, devotion, focus, attention - everything. Standing beside Him was God with his hands empty. Nothing.
You see, your heart can't be divided. It goes in one piece. We can't give half of it here and half of it there.
This picture was a reality check for me. I was so convicted and saddened by the fact that God was standing there with NOTHING from me, while Landon had it all. The picture of handing my heart (my #1 spot) over to Landon while God stood there empty handed was eye opening.
Now, there's nothing wrong at all with loving our children, devoting ourselves to them, and prioritizing them in our lives. However....the problem comes when they become our #1. When we give them everything we have, leaving nothing for God.
I realized that I had to realign my priorities and put God back in that #1 spot. I learned that in doing that, it didn't mean that Landon got nothing - He got way more from me. By putting God back #1, He gave me the strength and patience and guidance to be the best Mom I can be. To love Landon even better. All because God was back in His rightful place in my life.
What's in your #1 spot? Your kids? Your job? Your things? Your husband? Your dreams? Your body?
Spend some time today with the Lord. Talk through this with Him. Ask for forgiveness and repent for allowing other things to take His spot in your life. Put Him back there. Set boundaries so you don't do it again and ask loved ones to help keep you accountable.
"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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