Banana Pudding and Key Lime Pie

“If Christ is your one and only love, if your heart has cast out all rivals, you will soon enjoy the comfort of His presence.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Golf and grandkids. Baseball, basketball, and BBQ. Spaghetti Bolognese and linguini with marinara sauce. Fishing and relaxing in my favorite recliner. Watching a sporting event or a murder mystery. Curling up with Deanna and curling up with a good book. Sleeping late and taking afternoon naps. Climbing lighthouses and swimming underwater. Preaching and politicking. Chocolate peanut butter ice cream, banana pudding, and key lime pie. Vacations and family reunions.

These are just a few of my favorite things and there isn’t anything wrong with a single one of them. In fact, most things in life can be enjoyed as long as they aren’t sinful… and you indulge in moderation. However, if anyone or anything comes between you and your devotion to God, that is a problem. That includes your spouse, your kids, your job, your car, or a myriad of other people, places, and things.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not for an instant telling you to sell your golf clubs or stop eating out at your favorite Italian restaurant. And I am certainly not suggesting that you should dump your spouse, alienate your kids, or refrain from exercising your body. All I am saying is that anything in your life that comes before God is an idol, plain and simple.

It’s all about priorities, my friend… and God deserves to be #1. In fact, He won’t have it any other way.

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:2-3 (NKJV)

“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.’” Mark 10:21 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President