The Sin is Self Worship

Scripture: The Lord said to Moses, “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.” So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” Numbers 20:7-12

Observation: Moses and Aaron screwed up. They didn't speak to the rock - the spoke to the people, then struck the rock. What was worse, they effectively said "look what WE can do!"

God brought the water out of the rock not because Moses struck it, but because it was his will. He didn't need Moses and Aaron in order to do that - they needed God. They forgot this simple fact, and as a result were held accountable for their error.

Application: Self-worship is the most basic error of believers interacting with God. We ALL do it ... we all take credit for success, or attribute good things to our talents, or call attention to ourselves, or even just want to take actions that make ourselves happy and comfortable.

I am my first idol. Every day, I need to remind myself:
-- God provides everything for me.
-- My abilities and talents are from God, and for God.
-- All I own is his if he wishes to take it back.
-- My life must be a living sacrifice to God.

Prayer: Lord, may my life and all that is part of my life serve you. I am not my own - I am yours. Please show me love and correction when I fall into the trap of self-worship, and guide me back into a right understanding of my life and my purpose. Thank you for loving me!!