No Substitutes

How often does pleasure, relationships, money, or anything else trump your allegiance to and love for God?

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me .”
(Exodus 20:2–3)

I remember a time when I was faced with a decision that seemed small at the time, but in reality it revealed something much deeper in my heart. I was driving through a familiar neighborhood and spotted a car dealership with a “closing down sale.” I felt the pull to stop and check it out, telling myself that I could just “take a look” and nothing more, but as I got out of the car, a nagging feeling hit me—was I truly content with what God had already blessed me with? I realized that what seemed like a harmless curiosity was actually a chance to examine whether I was placing my happiness in material things rather than in God’s provision.

The Israelites faced the same challenge. In Exodus 20, God presented His people with the Ten Commandments, beginning with the most crucial one: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Just 40 days after their miraculous escape from Egypt, they had already turned to idol worship. Their hearts, much like ours, quickly strayed. These commands were given not merely as rules but as a guide for living a life that honors God, with the first command being the foundation. They’re not just a set of restrictions, but they’re an invitation to fully surrender our hearts to Him, with no substitutes allowed.

In today’s world, it’s easy to believe that the Ten Commandments no longer have relevance. But imagine if we actually lived by these straightforward yet powerful principles—no murder, no theft, no broken marriages, no gossip, and no other gods. Families would be stronger, communities safer, and relationships deeper. The commandments represent God’s heart, and if we followed them, we would create a society that reflects His love and justice. The first commandment is a reminder that without God at the center, nothing else can truly fall into place.

Anything can become a god in our lives: pleasure, money, success, or relationships. Whatever we pursue with more passion than God becomes an idol. If anything competes for first place in our hearts, we’ve missed the mark. Of course, having no idols is impossible for us to do with our own willpower. The Law shows us our need for Jesus, as we can never meet God’s perfect standard on our own. It exposes our brokenness and leads us to the Savior who alone can restore us. The consequences of putting anything before God are serious, and that’s why we need Jesus more than ever.

Listen to the sermon: Give God His Proper Place

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

I’m so excited to share with you my new resource, More Than a Label: Discovering Who You Are in Christ. No matter your age—whether you’re a teen, a parent, or a grandparent—this study is designed to help you break free from the labels placed on you by the world, others, or even yourself. We’ve all been handed labels, some from our past, others from the expectations of others, or even the standards of society. But here’s the truth: those labels don’t define who you are.

In this study, I’ll guide you through embracing your true identity in Christ. God has given you a new and better label—one that reflects who He created you to be. Discover the person God created you to be today and start living out the truth of your new identity in Christ!

Request your copy today of More Than a Label