13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? Psalm 77:13

Continuing on with Asaph’s answers, he asked a question that was so outlandish and preposterous. I say that because the vast majority of those reading this instinctively know the answer. Even though we may laugh at the question today. I mean, who could possibly worship a god that is made of wood or stone?

Well, our gods are different today. Many people worship fame, fortune, and power, to name just three all encompassing gods. Don’t believe me? Why else would a person need upwards of $1 billion dollars to seek an office that pays $400,000 per year? Someone who realizes that in a position like that, it’s never the salary. There’s an incredible amount of power that goes with the office of the presidency as well as senators and congresspeople. I use that as an obvious example. Each of you can tell me of far lesser positions where people stepped on a lot of other people to fill.

Fame and fortune are also gods that are impossible to satisfy and very dissatisfying when you think you’ve done all you know to get there.

So, how does the God of Israel compare to the gods of fame, fortune, and power in your life? While we’d love to say we’re not at all influenced by any of those gods, the reality is far different.

The late song writer and musician Rich Mullins (“Our God is an Awesome God” was his most famous song) realized the influence that money could have on his life so he set up a deal with the Board of Elders at his church. All the proceeds from his concerts, CDs, song royalties, and memorabilia would go to the church, and they would decide how much to pay him based on the yearly salary of an average worker. Mullins could have easily made millions but he knew himself and his tendencies.

I share that story because it’s refreshing – and convicting – to hear in this day and age.

The irony of all of this is that you don’t have to be famous, wealthy, or powerful to serve these gods. When people who can’t afford it spend lots of money on the SuperPowerBall jackpot each week in the faint hope of retiring early with millions in the bank, it doesn’t take much to guess who their god is.

Now, how does this relate to us? I mentioned three “gods” but we all can name others (i.e., greed, self-reliance, nationalism, work, appearance). Perhaps it’s time we answer Asaph’s question, “What god is as great as our God?” Are there any gods ahead of Him?