What does it mean to love God more than anything else?
From Facing the Giants, the emphasis of this lesson is on surrender to God for everything. When faced with the trial of not being able to conceive a child, the characters in the movie made sure to have their hearts in the right place. They wanted to make sure that they would still love God even if He didn't give them children - complete surrender to His will, no matter what.
In our group study, we focus in on the requirement that God has for us - that we love Him with all our hearts, minds, and strength. We studied a number of Old Testament passages about how God is a jealous God, and how throughout the history of the Israelite people, they continually strayed from the One True God in favor of idol worship and the false gods of the people whose lands they inhabited. Maybe you've thought this too, but I couldn't help but ask how it is possible that anyone would serve an idol over the Lord?
Have you ever been challenged by your pastor about how much emphasis you put on "stuff"? "Modern-day idols" is a common topic at my church, which is a large affluent congregation. Personally, I know I'm well-off in comparison to a great percentage of global citizens... but by no means do my wife and I, and our children live "high on the hog". So when that challenge comes to examine where I'm placing my ultimate trust, personally, I'm not checking to see if my answer is money or material wealth. I am however checking to see if the person on the throne of my heart is me.
Rounding out this topic of love for God, I'll throw out another word - loyalty. It seems appropriate in the context of loving for God versus loving some other modern-day idol. Specifically consider how far you're willing to go for God and what you are willing to sacrifice. Keep in mind hero's like Abraham who was willing to sacrifice his only son... and Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life for us.
General References
On God as a jealous God...
On Complete Surrender to the Will of God...
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