Chapter 33—“No Other Gods Before Me”
[
Appeared in Notebook Leaflets, Christian Experience, No. 13
.]
Every true child of God will be sifted as wheat, and in the sifting
process every cherished pleasure which diverts the mind from God
must be sacrificed. In many families the mantel shelves, stands, and
tables are filled with ornaments and pictures. Albums filled with
photographs of the family and their friends are placed where they will
attract the attention of visitors. Thus the thoughts, which should be
upon God and heavenly interests, are brought down to common things.
Is not this a species of idolatry? Should not the money thus spent have
been used to bless humanity, to relieve the suffering, to clothe the
naked, and to feed the hungry? Should it not be placed in the Lord’s
treasury to advance His cause and build up His kingdom in the earth?
This matter is of great importance, and it is urged upon you to save
you from the sin of idolatry. Blessing would come to your souls if you
would obey the word spoken by the Holy One of Israel, “Thou shalt
have no other Gods before me” (
Exodus 20:3
). Many are creating
unnecessary cares and anxieties for themselves by devoting time and
thought to the unnecessary ornaments with which their houses are
filled. The power of God is needed to arouse them from this devotion;
[318]
for to all intents and purposes it is idolatry.
He who searches the heart, desires to win His people from every
species of idolatry. Let the Word of God, the blessed book of life,
occupy the tables now filled with useless ornaments. Spend your
money in buying books that will be the means of enlightening the
mind in regard to present truth. The time you waste in moving and
dusting the multitudinous ornaments in your house, spend in writing a
few lines to your friends, in sending papers or leaflets or little books
to someone who knows not the truth. Grasp the Word of the Lord as
the treasure of infinite wisdom and love; this is the Guidebook that
points out the path to heaven. It points us to the sin-pardoning Saviour,
290