We North Americans stand, single file, patiently waiting our turn. No service for number two until the cashier finishes number one. Makes sense to us, but others call such passive delay stupid. Why wait when pushing gets faster service? We point out, correctly, that God set up an orderly creation. Effects require causes, consequences need actions, future grows only from past. No cutting in line; nothing may come before Him. We know that if we seek Him first, He’ll add everything like vine feeding branch.

However, facing the living God scares us. We have to hate spouse, progeny, and our own lives in comparison to Him. He asks hard things, but the ancients’ painful lessons impress us. Wood’s just wood. Stone’s just stone. Who’s dumb enough to talk to dead stuff? No kneeling to statues. No offering to idols. “Just You and me, Lord,” we proclaim. “No one else, but You,” we affirm.

Indeed. The truth is, our heart’s secrets stand in first place. What threat worries us? What loss horrifies us? What lust motivates us? What dream beguiles us? Fortunately, our jealous God permits nothing to separate us from Himself. He neither coddles our infatuations nor indulges our fears. He grants us freedom to reap their harvest until frustration, perplexity, desperation, or terror persuades us to release our grip and allow His perfect love to drive the idols out.

So, what did you learn the last time He peeled your heart open to reveal your own pet elephant at the head of the line?

Matthew 22: 36-40; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Romans 8:31-39; Galatians 6:7-10