February 21, 2007

Have you ever met anyone who said that they don’t believe in God?  Some proudly profess themselves to be atheists, others just don’t believe in a God of the universe who is in control of everything.

But did you know that everyone believes in God, whether they acknowledge it or not?  There are three Gods that are worth mentioning, and everyone I know believes in one of them to guide their life and help make their decisions.

First there is the God of the Bible.  This God is either God of everything as he professes to be, or the best liar and charlatan of all time.  He clearly states that “before me was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.” (Isaiah 43:10-11)  He commanded in the first of what we call “the ten commandments” that “Thou shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)  So in a very few words this God states that A) He is the only God and that B)  he jealously demands that we acknowledge him as such.  There isn’t any gray in those statements – they’re either black or white, they’re either true or false!

Then there is Satan, whom the Bible calls “the god of this world”. (II Cor. 4:4)  Why does it use that term, you ask?  Because Satan is limited in his power to the things that are seen, and God has all power in heaven and earth.  Why the difference?  Because Satan is a creation of God, just like everything else. (Isaiah 45:7)  So Satan IS a god and he is one that most people choose to believe in, based on their lifestyle and the choices they make.  But he’s a lesser god, and serving him provides lesser results.

The last god that is worthy of discussion is self.  This god is prevalent in our society because you don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself!  Do what you want when you want ‘cause you want, and your “god” will be okay with it.  These folks think that there is freedom in this decision because they don’t have to answer to any guidelines but their own feelings and desires.  Live for yourself, they say, and don’t worry about anyone else.  “Do your own thing!” – ever heard that?

Yet the Bible gently reminds us that “ none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” (Romans 14:7)  What we choose to do affects those who we love and spend our time with.  Our family and friends are influenced by the god whom we choose to follow.

So there they are.  The God of the Bible, Satan and yourself.  Take your pick.  Pick carefully, because your decisions affects your life and eternity and those around you as well.

What is your choice?