Humanity is infected with hubris. When we assert our independence and/or disdain for our Creator, we partner with the work of the adversary.
We were given God’s Word (His commandments) to allow us to correct our self-destructive ways. Our podcast of 10/4/22 takes the time to bring clarity to the huge contrast between the me-gods and the One True God. When we lost our way (in Adam and Eve) all hope was gone. There was nothing the offspring of the earth’s first couple could do. Nothing. God had to step in to buy back the lost souls and hearts of all of mankind.
Here we discuss in greater the depth the identification of the me-gods. These are antithetical to the commands of God, specifically the 10 commandments from which the main two flow: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength – and you shall love your neighbor as you love yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” – Jesus
In warfare, an imaginative way to look at the me god(s) is through the image of angel vomit. The adversary and his minions spew a twisted and wicked trail of replacements to usurp God’s commands through our lives. Take some time to give thought to what each of these looks like in your world.
Here is a great backdrop as you consider this me-god checklist:
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘man shall not live on bread alone.”
And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. If You worship before me, it shall all be Yours. Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”
And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning you to guard you,’ and “on their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘you shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”
When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.” – Luke 4:1-15
The me-gods are deceptively woven into our fallen nature. Here are some questions many will never honestly ask and answer for themselves.
√ Worship me, I will give you what you want. What things are more important to you than God?
√ Create idols which gratify your desires. What are the things you can’t or won’t attempt to live without?’
√ Elevate what exalts you and your vision. Which parts of your identity are indispensable to you?
√ Who needs to rest? Life is for living! Where do meditation and reflection find room in your weekly schedule?
√ Core family integrity is not needed or desired. Marriage success and effective parenting are learned through intentional effort. Are you prepped and engaged in this?
√ The end justifies the means. In what ways is your personal integrity bent and shaped for your own personal gain or recognition?
√ Give your strength to self-indulgence. In what ways have you embraced a life of self-pleasure and avoidance of personal sacrifice?
√ Take from others for your own benefit and pleasure. How have you made choices to lay claim to things which belong to another?
√ Slime others to get your own way. How have you spoken falsely of others and/or recruited others to join you?
√ We are free to crave what belongs to others. In what ways does envy enter into your lifestyle? Are there things you obsess about?
The Me-gods rely upon fraud, oppression, and gratification and result in all sorts of bondage. Philosophy: I am free to do as I please. Mode: People are tools for me to get what I want – I will give an account to no-one.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:6-11
The me-gods of bondage to self or the Living God’s pathway to peace?
The choice is really quite clear.
Dave and Burnadette