The First Commandment

 Sounds easy enough, right?  I think I do this, but do I have other gods before Christ?  Luther, in his small catechism  says, "You shall have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things." Our pastor has preached several times in the last month on worry and complaining. (Okay, I am guilty as charged.) He says that when we do this, we are breaking the first commandment.  What?  You mean when I complain about anything from the trivial, like I have another wrinkle on my face, to something more serious such as, how are we going to pay the next bill, I am breaking the first command.  Yep.  and Ouch, that hurts.

I've been thinking a lot lately about this, because I complain and worry way to much. I know it's wrong.  I mean, how many passages in scripture do I need to read before I realize God doesn't want me to worry.  Matthew 6:34, "Take no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself..." Luke 12:7, "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not ye are of more value than many sparrows. "  These are just two that popped into my mind.  How easy it is to complain and worry, but shouldn't it be easier to trust the Maker of heaven and earth?

This morning as my thoughts drifted to what it means to truly put Christ first, two things came to mind. Putting Christ first has to be more than Sunday church, Bible study, and Bible reading.  Those things are good, if  that's all I do, then have I missed the mark?  If I see the wrinkles and think I am old, and begin to complain or I know the bill is due tomorrow, and the bank account still says zero and I worry, has my Bible reading affected my life?  If Christ is my all in all, then I surely must say, God has not failed me, ever, nor will He. He is teaching me to trust.  Wrinkles?  What are they compared to Heaven, where I shall be with my Lord forever!  Easier said than done for me, but I want to change.  Just realizing I have broken the first command, has stopped me in my tracks.

The second thing thought about is are we helping one another, when friends post on social media their complaints?  Should we remind them of what's truly important?  I hope someone would remind me, Say, Marsha, I understand what you're going through, but don't break the first command.  Trust God, don't trust the world.


I know I will miss the mark, but I have a forgiving Father, who will forgive me.  I ask your help in keeping me on track.  Thank you, Reader.