“There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. But for us, there is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.”
–1 Corinthians 8:5-6

A few decades ago, there was a game show on TV called “To Tell the Truth”, which in many ways was a replica of life. Each show featured three panelists who tried to fool the contestant. Only one panelist told the truth about his or her identity. The other two were convincing actors who often fooled the contestant.

So why was this game show a miniature picture of life? Just look at all the brands in the grocery store. While the cheapest brand may tell you it tastes the same as the name brand, it often doesn’t. Among many other things, this can be a picture of our most important relationship–our relationship with an all-loving God.

The Bible says that there are many false gods, but I will attempt to show you why I believe only the God of the Bible is telling the truth. Even if you don’t agree with these statements, please bear with me and look at three of these gods with an open mind. They are the god of ease, the god of energy, and the god of eternity.

I like ease and convenience as much as anyone. In fact, I just sent a nice convenient text message while writing this devotion. But while ease and convenience can make our lives more productive, they can also blind us to what is important if we allow this to happen. Many times, all of us are tempted to bow to the god of ease. Madison Avenue says, “Why be patient? Get what you want now! Buy it on credit!” Or you might think, “I really have to get to the office, so I’ll look around when I get to that stop sign and see if anyone is looking before I make a try at running the red light.” I could go on and on with my list of examples, but the point is that what looks harmless in the present moment may have an eternal price tag.

Another god who blinds us is the god of energy. This is the custom-made god who says, “Have it your way. You can help others, but don’t get too involved. Live in the moment, and don’t get stressed out.” I feel that this god’s character is explained best by the famous phrase, “May the Force be with you.” This is a catch-all phrase which doesn’t lead to any real commitment in the present, and ignores any future cost.

Now let’s look at the god of eternity. We often get so caught up in a convenient present that we forget or ignore the Bible’s warnings. But I believe that God shouts out to all of us, “Why gain all the latest stuff, and lose your soul in the process?”

You may ask, “What does that really matter? I don’t think the Bible is made up of anything but outdated fables.” Well, that’s what a lot of people have thought, and they’ve set out to prove the biblical record wrong. But no archaeologist’s spade has been able to do this. One example might be that of Nineveh. People wrote entire doctoral dissertations on how this city was non-existent, and how the Bible was in error. But to the surprise of many people, Nineveh was indeed found.

The Bible contains 66 books, and it was written by 40 authors. In spite of this fact, the message of God’s love is clearly found on every page, in perfect harmony. The Bible is the only holy book that contains prophecies about the future, while also allowing us to see how God has moved throughout history, preparing the world for His son Jesus.

At this point you may sneer and say, “You’ve been quick to point out the cost with everything else. What about the cost of following Christ?” You would be right, my friend. There is a cost, and it involves the surrender of your will to God’s will. I’d like to give you an analogy that will help you understand this.

Since I am blind, I use a white cane when I go places. My cane both guides and protects me, just as God’s will does in my life. Not walking in God’s will is much like walking without that cane. I almost always run into obstacles if I don’t have the cane to guide me. In the same way, God wants to guide you so you don’t fall down the steps of life.

So while there is a price to be paid, the price for not following Christ is much greater. He loves you so much that He gave His life for you willingly, and that is huge! I challenge you to stop and think about this, for it will change your life. Ask God to forgive your sins and come into your heart today. He wants to give you a full life, both here and in eternity.

Speaking of truth, Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So my question to you is: Why settle for fool’s gold any longer, when you can experience all of God’s riches today?

Please join us in two weeks for the second part of this devotion series.

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