The apostle Paul stresses emphatically in Ephesians 4:6 that there is only "one God." The law-giver Moses affirms just as surely in Exodus 20:3 that there are "other gods." So, is Paul or Moses correct? Yes! They are correct. Uh, both? Yes.
There is only one God who created us, one God who is "exalted above the heavens" (Heb 7:26). However, there are many gods that we create and exalt in our hearts, paying tribute to in our lives.
Just think of the sacrifices we lay on that altar of success. Consider how many men have sacrificed their families as they bow down to their lusts and sexual indiscretions. Think of all those who have offered up their freedom paying tribute to greed.
These gods, those things we worship with our time, energy and resources are forever in our ears whispering, "You know you're itching for this, go ahead and scratch" or "Who cares what anyone else says or wants or needs, you deserve this for yourself" or "You only have one life, get all you can while you can."
These gods that we raise up in our hearts command a greater commitment in the moment than we have for the Lord Jesus Christ. This serving self or success or sexuality or sensation that rivals and sometimes eclipses our love for God becomes a god to us. To these gods we give up, give over and give in risking much more than they are worth because of their control over us.
But there is only one true God, one who is able to provide life eternal, redeeming us from eternal separation of the soul. And, as Jesus asks, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matt 16:26).
So, who or what will you serve? Will you serve the God of Creation or the gods you have created? Jus' Ask'n.
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