October 20

Creating a Distinctive People

Sole allegiance Required
Exodus 20:1-4

Read the Bible through:
AM - Jeremiah 35-36 : PM - 2 Thessalonians 1

You shall have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3).

The tragedies of September 11, 2001, led to an outpouring of, among other things, patriotic pride. The attack on our nation has focused a new generation to understand there are times when we must stand together on the side of freedom, pledging our allegiance to our country in order to defend that freedom. We understand there is no middle ground. We stand together, or we fall prey to those who would seek to destroy us at our points of weakness.

Understanding such sole allegiance to God Almighty may not come as quickly or easily, for such allegiance has demands even higher than the demands of our nation. When we pledge ourselves to Him, we forsake all other alliances that might mean more comfort, less toil, or more success.

Our God has high expectations that no thing, no person, no thought, no plan - nothing may take His place as the One to whom we owe our total allegiance. A high demand, certainly, but a demand that leads to real freedom and eternal security.

You, Lord, are the One God, holy and worthy of praise.