Temptation

 

“Temptations, unlike opportunities, will always give you many second chances” (Canadian author Orlando A. Battista). How can we overcome temptation?

Some temptations catch us by surprise. Others are avoidable. How much effort should we be making to avoid temptation? How do we counteract the temptations we face as we go through life?

Consider the case of Joseph

Joseph was 17 years old when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers! However, by God’s mercy, he ended up in a very favorable position and was blessed. In Genesis 39:5 we see that God even blessed Potiphar because of Joseph.

But then Potiphar’s wife confronted him with temptation (verse 7). Giving in to her would have put him in opposition to God. Joseph knew that acquiescing to her sexual advances would be a sin against God (verse 9). So Joseph chose resistance even as the temptations went on for days (verse 10).

Then “it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me.’ But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside” (verses 11-12).

Potiphar’s wife lied (verse 14); and as a result, Joseph was sent to prison, where he remained for several years. But God was pleased with him and had not forgotten him (verses 21-23). Eventually, Joseph rose to a position of power in Egypt second only to Pharaoh, and he was able to rescue his family many years later when famine struck the land.

Joseph’s example is particularly instructive, because he was caught in a situation beyond his control. As a slave, he couldn’t leave Potiphar’s house or make changes in what he was required to do. However, he resisted temptation on several occasions; and when he couldn’t otherwise avoid it, he fled from the house.

What about our own lives? Are there things we can do to avoid temptation and help prevent such a situation as the one Joseph was in?

Avoid it where you can

Each of us has the ability to think about our actions and avoid situations that will lead us into trouble. For instance, someone with an alcohol problem will always need to avoid bars and liquor stores. Where temptation is concerned, as the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in many cases. (For more on this, read our series on “Freedom From Addiction.”)

King David was very aware of the need to chart a careful course. Yet even he famously gave in to temptation during the incident with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). However, he showed himself to be a man after God’s own heart by having a repentant spirit and by showing his awareness of the need to stay away from temptation.

Notice Psalm 17:4-5: “Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.”

All actions have consequences, whether good or bad. Considering our path could save us all a great deal of pain and regret. But what about those unforeseen circumstances, such as the one Joseph encountered, when temptation comes our way despite our efforts to avoid it?

Help is available!

We have an example from Jesus Christ as He prepared to face His final trial and crucifixion. He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, then returned to His disciples to find them sleeping. He told them: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). Christ wasn’t telling them they could “pray away” temptation, but He told them they needed to be better prepared to deal with it through prayer.

Christ’s model prayer in Matthew 6 contains the same instructions: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (verse 13). This verse isn’t telling us that God will tempt us, but rather that we can ask for His help in delivering us from the temptations of a powerful enemy. Notice James 1:13: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

The temptation comes from Satan, as shown in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Verse 9 goes on to tell us we need to resist Satan and his temptations.

Verse 10 contains the same message as Matthew 6:13, letting us know that we can call on God for His help in these situations: “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”

No one needs to face trials and temptations alone!

No temptation or trial is unique to us

We can find further encouragement and strengthening words in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

These are words of great comfort! Whatever temptation we may be struggling with, others have encountered it also. We are not alone! Furthermore, God’s assurance to us is that if we seek His help, as shown in Christ’s prayer in Matthew 6, He will give us a way to escape the temptation.

James 1:15 describes a life cycle of sin, leading to death. The steps of that cycle are:

1. Temptation.
2. Desire.
3. Wrong choice.
4. Effects of sin.

It is vital to break that cycle before it gets a foothold! To do that, we can stop it at the beginning—when temptation first presents itself.

We encourage you to keep reading the additional articles about breaking the cycle of deadly sin by going next to the article on “Desire.”

What Are the Deadly Sins?

 

The list of the “seven deadly sins” is fairly familiar: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony. Are these or other sins truly deadly? What does the Bible say about deadly sins?

The list of seven deadly sins is believed to have originated with a fourth-century monk, who composed a list of eight evil thoughts. A few changes were made to the list over time, until Pope Gregory I issued the list of seven deadly sins as we know them today. These sins were believed to cause other sins and were thus considered to be “deadly.”

The list of seven deadly sins then became popularized by the Italian poet Dante in The Divine Comedy.

What does the Bible say about deadly sins?

The specific listing of the “seven deadly sins” shown above cannot be found in any scriptural text. The Bible does show that those activities are sinful, but also reveals that other sins should be avoided as well.

For instance, in Proverbs 6:16-19, there is a list of seven things God hates. These are:

1. A proud look.
2. A lying tongue.
3. Hands that shed innocent blood.
4. A heart that devises wicked plans.
5. Feet that are swift in running to evil.
6. A false witness.
7. One who sows discord among brethren.

Although these things are specifically called out as things that God hates, only pride matches up as one of the “seven deadly sins.”

Galatians 5:19-21 lists many “works of the flesh” and says that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. These works include things such as adultery, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, heresies and murder; but only one of the items listed (envy) is included in the “seven deadly sins.”

God provides a definition of sin: “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). The King James Version renders this as “transgression of the law.” Actions contrary to God’s law are sin. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Sin has a certain “life cycle” that results in death. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).

The list of sins resulting in death is not limited to seven! All sin leads to death, and that death would be permanent for each of us if it were not for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). How did Christ’s sacrifice make forgiveness of our sins possible? And can we simply continue to sin because Jesus Christ paid the price?

Because of deadly sins, we need Christ’s sacrifice

The “wages of sin”—what sin earns for us—is death. This generally does not come in the form of God instantly striking people dead for sinning; but without Christ’s sacrifice, “eternal life in Christ Jesus” would not be possible.

The apostle Peter explains more about the sacrifice of Christ: “Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:23-24).

The penalty of permanent death (the wages of sin) was paid by Christ Himself at His death. The book of Hebrews illuminates further:

“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself” (Hebrews 7:26-27).

Under the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, the priest, as described in Hebrews, offered up sacrifices for himself, then offered daily sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. Christ offered up Himself once, for all mankind, to atone for our sins.

What does God want us to do about deadly sins?

Sins are deadly—all of them. There is no scriptural indication to support the idea that there are only seven deadly sins, with the rest being of lesser severity. Sins are the transgression of God’s law and would inevitably result in permanent death if not for the sacrifice of Christ.

So where does that leave us now? Do we simply acknowledge Christ as our Savior and go on with life as before, feeling secure in the knowledge that what we do doesn’t matter from now on? The apostle Paul answers that question very directly:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2). Paul continues in verse 4: “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Repentance and baptism are required. (For further information, please see the “Repentance” and “Baptism” sections of this website.)

After baptism, we are expected to walk in “newness of life.” We are expected to turn from sin and go in the other direction. That can be a difficult thing. Sin has a certain repetitive pattern, or cycle, as described earlier in James 1:14-15.

Breaking the cycle of deadly sins

How can we break the cycle of sin and choose a different path? Once again, our primary help is from Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest, as shown in Hebrews 7. He is also our spiritual forerunner—the One who went before us and showed us the path to follow.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

It will also help to look at the individual steps involved in the process that leads to sin. If we are more aware and informed on how we are led into sin, step by step, then we will be better prepared to break the deadly cycle and choose a different path. Those steps are:

• Temptation.
• Desire.
• Wrong Choice.
• Effects of Sin.

We are commanded by God to put sin away from our lives; and with God’s help, we can overcome sin. It is important to know how to avoid sin in the first place, so we encourage you to read these four articles for further information about each of these four steps in how to avoid sin.

Freedom From Addiction

 

God has given us certain instructions and guidelines that lead to health, peace of mind and happiness. Addictions war against these guidelines.

In the following series of articles, learn in detail about four of the most prevalent addictions, as well as several strategies for gaining independence from any addiction through the power of God.

Whether secular or religious, nearly all parties asked will confidently classify addictions as harmful. Those who want to obediently serve God and follow His instructions will acknowledge addictions to be insidious sins that must be overcome. Yet in circumstances where brain chemistry is actively working against common sense and slowing progress, is there any hope to break free? It takes pain, sacrifice, time and effort—but the answer is yes.

The sticky stuff

Addictions are sticky. It all starts with that first venture into something we know we should not do, but then do anyway. There it is; this sticky stuff is now attached to us. The more we take part in the action, the stickier it gets on our skin.

Some can immediately wash that sticky stuff off and be rid of it, hating the feeling of it from the moment it was on their skin. Unfortunately, many experience quite a different effect. Only when the action is very thick and sticky, do they realize they want it off immediately.

They try to get this horrible, sticky substance off, but they realize it IS NOT coming off! They try chipping away at it, washing it constantly, sometimes even feeling that they are making progress. But then they remember how good it felt to have the stickiness and they lose more ground than was gained. Emotions come along with this: shame, regret, embarrassment, depression, anger, frustration, loss of self-worth, self-deprecation—and the sticky stuff just holds on for dear life.

Looking for help

This series of articles is intended to provide some motivation and reality checks about addiction. Once we come to the decision that this horrible addiction has ruined enough days, weeks, months and even years of our life and that we desperately want freedom from it, then we can start to look for help.

The first One we must go to is the only provider of true comfort and assistance in the entire universe, God. Prayer may have been difficult during those times when we were getting stickier and stickier, but now it must be a priority. God truly knows exactly how sticky and destructive addictions are, so He no doubt is eager for us to turn to Him for guidance and freedom from sin: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, emphasis added throughout).

In addition to going to God, we can also take advantage of an enormous help that God provides for us: other people, often called accountability partners or “sponsors.” Addictions love to hide in the shadows where they can secretly torment us for years, possibly without anyone ever knowing that we are fighting a large-scale war in our minds.

Letting a select few people—or just one person—into the struggle does wonders to destroy the loneliness and overwhelming nature of addictions. This person, or these people, must be a compassionate and loving help to the situation instead of a condemning and self-righteous hindrance. God does not throw us away and “give up on us” if we relapse or make mistakes, so neither should the people to whom we have opened ourselves up.

Needless to say, we must choose this person wisely and realistically. One who hates what the addiction is doing to us but firmly believes Romans 3:23 (“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”) would be a good choice.

In order to make lasting progress, we need to also identify the causes of our addictions. What is it that triggers a yielding to the addiction? One needs to become aware of this and deal with the causes as well as changing the behavior. This will help in battling the tendency to constantly relapse into the problem again.

This will be covered in more depth for each specific addiction, but we must take advantage of programs, associations and counselors who specialize in treating and helping those with addictions. Options include local ministers with experience in counseling, as well as specialists with Christian backgrounds. Remember, there are people there to help if we decide to use them.

The series

This introduction begins a series in which specific addictions will be addressed: alcoholism, pornography, smoking and gambling. Other addictions, such as drug addiction, will not be directly addressed; but the strategies and overall realities about addiction in these articles are meant to cover more than just the specific topics. A concluding article offers a comprehensive look at the first month in overcoming an addiction.

So, let’s take the first steps toward freedom from addiction—steps that start on our knees in prayer to God and end with a smile, instead of a shudder, when we see ourselves in the mirror.

The Truth

 

The truth is sometimes hard!

In Jesus Name

 More meaning for us all.

God is Awesome!!

What Is the Unpardonable Sin?

 

Is there a sin that God won’t forgive? Are there sins that are too bad to forgive? If so, what are they? What does the Bible teach about the unpardonable sin?

The purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice is to make it possible for us to be reconciled to God—to be “holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight” (Colossians 1:22). Jesus paid an enormous price on our behalf to rescue us from sin.

But is it possible that there can be a sin that even the blood of Jesus Christ can’t cover? Many people worry they have committed the unpardonable sin. Have you ever asked, “Did I commit the unpardonable sin?”

Although the phrase unpardonable sin does not appear in Scripture, there are three passages in which we are warned of sin that cannot be forgiven. Understanding these passages can help prevent us from committing such a sin and at the same time give us assurance that we have not.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

In Matthew 12:31-32 Jesus Christ warned the Pharisees that “blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit will not be forgiven men” in this age or in the age to come. 

What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Verses 22-30 give the background for this statement. Jesus had healed a man who was possessed by a demon. The people who witnessed this miracle realized that this was evidence that Jesus was the Messiah (verse 23). But in an attempt to discredit Jesus and intentionally mislead the people, rather than acknowledging that He was the Savior, the Pharisees knowingly falsely accused Him of healing the man by the power of Satan (Beelzebub).

In verse 31 the Greek word translated “blasphemy” means to vilify, rail or speak evil against. Jesus said elsewhere that the sin of blasphemy came from the depths of an evil heart (Mark 7:21-23). Blasphemy is one thing, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit takes it to another level.

In Matthew 12:32 Jesus repeats the thought, stating that “anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man” can be forgiven (emphasis added throughout). That phrase speaks a word against means to be antagonistic against or in conflict with another. Most people in their ignorance initially rejected Jesus Christ, and they will have opportunity to repent.

What the Pharisees said wasn’t just a casual comment or misunderstanding. It was an intentional, outrageous and unthinkable accusation to attribute the power of God to Satan. It was this blatant, premeditated lie that Jesus labeled as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

We can be in danger of committing the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit if we know God has accomplished something through the power of His Spirit, yet intentionally attribute it to the working of Satan. The Holy Spirit is the power of God—it is how He works to accomplish His will. So to reject the working of His Spirit is to not just reject His identity, but to reject His very power, work and nature. Someone who has actually committed blasphemy against the Spirit will not desire to repent, and so cannot be forgiven.

What does “falling away” mean in the Bible?

The second passage, Hebrews 6:4-6, is a powerful warning against abandoning the understanding of God’s Word, instruction and promises. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”

This passage describes a person who had come to repentance, understood and accepted God’s forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit, but subsequently, knowingly and intentionally rejected Jesus. This is a person who, even though he knows God’s authority, has intentionally set his mind to reject the gift of God’s Holy Spirit and to reject the only One through whom repentance is possible.

Repentance means to seek God’s forgiveness for sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to commit to a lifetime of obedience, forsaking a previous way of life. When we repent, we receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit by which we have an understanding of God’s goodness and eternal promises.

The phrase fall away means “to abandon a former relationship” (Louw and Nida Greek-English Lexicon). This passage warns that there is no way to renew repentance once it is rejected. If people knowingly and intentionally reject what Jesus has done for them by His sacrifice, they “hold him up to contempt” (verse 6, Revised Standard Version). And having rejected His sacrifice, there is no other sacrifice by which they can be saved (Acts 4:12).

The sin that cannot be forgiven is a sin of which a person does not want to repent. It is the act of rejecting the sacrifice of Christ and intentionally choosing sin over repentance, forgiveness and obedience.

It’s important to note that this is not the same as stumbling or going through a time of weakness in our life. That can happen to people, but they can repent and get back on the path of God’s way of life. To “fall away” is a much more conscious rejection of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and making a conscious decision to embrace a sinful way of life. Someone who comes to this point fully understands the consequences of what he or she is doing—but simply does not care and will not change.

Willful sin

The third passage that mentions a sin that cannot be forgiven is Hebrews 10:26-27. It says, “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.”

To sin “willfully” indicates a person who has set his will (his mind) against God and knowingly chooses to reject Him. This is one who utterly refuses to comply with God’s law, even though he understands that he should. In effect, it is a person who chooses Satan over God. His character, will and desire are set against God’s will. There is no forgiveness because he rejects Jesus’ sacrifice, which is the only way that sins can be forgiven. All that is left for a person in this condition is the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

Paul also discussed this aspect of willful sin in 1 Timothy 4:1-2, where he shows that some no longer feel guilt or shame because they have allowed their conscience to be “seared with a hot iron.”

“Have I committed the unpardonable sin?”

Everyone occasionally sins out of weakness or ignorance. There are times when we labor to control or overcome deeply ingrained habits or patterns that we know are sinful, slipping back at times even though we’re trying to overcome.

Paul eloquently describes this ongoing battle in Romans 7:14-25. He writes in verse 15, “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.” He concludes the passage by acknowledging that our only hope in dealing with our nature and striving to obey is through Jesus Christ (verses 24-25).

Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.”

Psalm 37:23-24 tells us that “the steps of a good man are ordered [established] by the LORD and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.”

In these two verses “fall” doesn’t mean abandon, but stumble or slip. In other words, even a righteous person will trip and fall. The key is to get back up and keep trying. God holds up and strengthens those who continue to strive to obey and live God’s way, even though they stumble at times.

If you are struggling against sin and are concerned about committing the unpardonable sin, you have not committed the unpardonable sin. Those who have truly committed the unpardonable sin will be so hardened in a sinful and rebellious attitude that they simply don’t care or worry about God’s forgiveness or the consequences of their attitude and way of living.

Warning and assurance

There is stern warning in Scripture about the kind of sin that cannot be forgiven. To sin in that way means to intentionally deny the power of God, to knowingly abandon God’s grace and calling or to deliberately reject the sacrifice of Jesus Christ by setting your mind, heart and will to intentionally sin rather than submit to God.

But those passages also assure us that as long as we genuinely repent of our sins, sincerely seek God’s forgiveness, and continue with a diligent effort to obey God, we can be confident that our sins are forgiven. As John reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

If you are practicing this scripture in your life—and are confessing your sins to God and seeking His forgiveness—you have not committed the unpardonable sin.

Idolatry—Then and Now

 

Historical accounts in the Bible often refer to God’s people getting involved with idols. Do Christians today need to be concerned about idolatry?

There is an account in the book of Daniel about three young men faced with an incredibly difficult situation. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were given a choice between two options: bow and worship the golden image King Nebuchadnezzar had set up or be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

Their courageous refusal to worship the idol is recorded in Daniel 3. It is one of the most inspiring examples in the Bible of putting God first by refusing to worship an idol.

The biblical command against idolatry

The first of the 10 Commandments given at Mount Sinai says we are to have no other gods before the real God (Exodus 20:3).

The Second Commandment is much like the first one: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them” (verses 4-5).

In spite of God’s clear instructions to completely avoid idols, the ancient nation of Israel frequently compromised with idolatry. God punished Israel repeatedly for the sin of idolatry, and it was a primary reason why they went into captivity (see 2 Kings 17:7-18).

What about Christians today? We worship God and recognize His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior. But, at the same time, could we be guilty of idolatry today?

The rich young ruler

There is an account in the Gospels about a rich young ruler who came to Christ, seeking advice and desiring to follow Him. Luke 18:18 and Mark 10:17 tell us that he ran to Christ, knelt before Him, called Him “Good Teacher” and asked what he must do to obtain eternal life.

The young man had a lot of stature in his world—he was wealthy, and he was also called a ruler. He had a lot of zeal and humility, but Christ knew that something important was missing in this man’s life.

Christ told the young man what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. In His answer, Christ quoted some of the 10 Commandments: “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother’” (Mark 10:19).

The young man responded that He had kept these commandments from his youth (verse 20). Christ did not dispute the young man’s obedience to those commandments.

He did, however, elaborate on what was missing in the young man’s life: “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’ But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (verses 21-22).

Christ’s instructions to this man—that he sell all that he had—are unique, but He did so to point out what was the one important quality missing in this rich young ruler’s life: God didn’t come first! That is the message of the First and Second Commandments—if God doesn’t come first, something else does. In the case of the rich young ruler, his many possessions came first.

What about you? Is your money more important to you than following God’s way of life? If so, you have made money your idol.

The example of the apostle Paul

Paul left us an inspiring example about priorities and about learning what to value the most. The story of God calling Paul is recorded in the book of Acts, but Paul gave more details in his letter to the Philippians.

“If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:4-6).

Paul explains here that he was born and educated as a prominent and prestigious leader in his community with a track record that gave him outstanding respect among his people.

Paul admitted he had been a Pharisee. Pharisees were well-known for their strictness in observing the Jewish laws. Paul was advanced beyond his contemporaries and exceedingly zealous for the traditions of Judaism. He enjoyed a preeminent role in his world.

The differences between the rich young ruler and the apostle Paul

There was a striking difference between Paul’s attitude and the attitude of the rich young ruler. Paul was willing to give up and turn his back on his previous prestigious life in order to put Christ first in his life. We see this attitude in Philippians 3:8: “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

By contrast, the rich young ruler’s attitude was, “But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22).

We cannot allow anything to come before God in our lives. If we do, we have a god before the true God, as did the rich young ruler. Paul’s example shows us that if we put God first in our lives, worldly riches and position are meaningless by comparison.

Putting God first

God’s original command against idolatry is still in effect today as it is written in Exodus 20:5: “You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.” God makes it very plain we must put Him first, and there are no exceptions!

Consider this passage from Mathew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” “Mammon” here refers to wealth or riches.

If God doesn’t come first in our lives, something else does. As Christians, God’s first two commandments tell us that we can’t allow idolatry into our lives. We must always put God first.

If you are going to put God first in your life, and we certainly hope that you will, you need to commit your life to Him. You need to make understanding God’s truth and responding to it the most important thing in your life. Use the resources available to you on this website to help you grow in your relationship with your Creator. If you do, you’ll receive the spiritual benefits that come from walking in faith in this life and in the one to come.