Self Worship in Context

Scripture: Do not sacrifice to the Lord your God an ox or a sheep that has any defect or flaw in it, for that would be detestable to him. Deuteronomy 17:1

Observation: In the middle of a section about worshiping other gods is this sentence about acceptable sacrifice. In fact, right before this, Moses, tells Israel not to erect any Asherah poles or any other alters to any other gods. Right after this, Moses tells Israel not to engage in practices to worship other gods, and to put to death anyone who does. So ... why this one sentence interlude about properly sacrificing an ox or sheep to the Lord that has a flaw?

Because withholding the best from God is ... self-sacrifice. Giving to God a sacrifice that is not the best a person has - and thus keeping the best for yourself - is placing your own desires and ambitions above God. In this context, it is clear ... no one is to worship any other god, and that includes one's self.

Application: I need to consider what things in my life I place above my love and service to God. Do I place my free time above service time or worship time? Do I place any of my possessions above my offerings to the Lord? Do I place my personal comfort above any discomfort that may come in doing what God asks?

I think my answer to these questions are MOSTLY 'no' ... but certainly not always. And always matters. This is the difference between true discipleship and basic Christianity. I need to always place God first, not mostly.

Prayer: Lord, as I start a new commitment in my life, please guide me, and be patient with me. I am learning, just like any child, how to reprioritize my life, and it is my one true desire to place you first in all things. I thank you for your great love. May I return my best to you every day, all the time. Amen.