Bible Reading: Genesis 31:1-19
Jacob had worked for his father-in-law, Laban, for many years. He eventually became tired of Laban’s mistreatment and decided to take his wives, children, flocks, and all their belongings and
return to his homeland.
Just before Jacob and his family left Laban’s home, Rachel, one of Jacob’s wives had a weak moment. Genesis 31:19 says, “When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father's household gods.” Taking these personal gods or idols may have been Rachel’s way of clinging to her father’s religion or they could have been her way of laying claim to her father’s estate for Jacob.
People today have personal gods, too. They aren’t usually small statues. Instead, modern day personal gods are anything that we make more important than the one true God or anything that takes the time, energy, resources, or love that belong to God alone. What are some of our modern personal gods? Modern personal gods include power, position, and wealth. Other personal gods are property, possessions, job advancement, the approval of other people, personal achievement, and anything done solely to please one’s self.
Examine your life. Discover what personal gods you have. Banish these attitudes, thoughts, things, and behaviors from your life. Turn to the one true God. Determine to love and serve Him only. Set your mind on Him, His plans, His purposes, and His kingdom.
“‘I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed – I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,’ declares the LORD, ‘that I am God.’” Isaiah 43:11 & 12
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want You to be my only God. Help me to find and eliminate any personal gods that are lingering in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.