What steps can we take to ensure God is central in our lives? The Scene in Ashdod “When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the temple of Dagon and set it beside Dagon.” (1 Samuel 5:2) The Philistines treated the living God as one more object to tuck alongside their idol. The very next morning, Dagon lay facedown, hands and head severed (vv. 3-4). Scripture records this literally to show that God will not share His glory. From this account we draw clear, practical steps for keeping Him central today. Remove the Rivals • Identify anything—habits, relationships, ambitions—that competes with His rule. • Tear it down decisively, just as Israel later destroyed foreign altars (Judges 6:25-26). • Anchor truth: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) Give God the Central Seat • Schedule around worship rather than squeezing worship into a schedule. • Place open Bibles in visible spots; let His Word set the atmosphere of the home. • Anchor truth: “He… so that in all things He may have preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18) Honor His Presence with Obedience • Obedience signals that He is more than a concept—He is Lord. • Begin each day asking, “What has God already said in Scripture that I need to do today?” • Anchor truth: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Guard the Boundaries • Limit media that normalizes sin; increase input that magnifies Christ. • Build friendships that reinforce holiness (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Anchor truth: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) Keep a Heart of Worship • Sing throughout the day—music fastens theology to memory. • Thank Him aloud for daily mercies; gratitude dethrones self. • Anchor truth: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) Offer the Whole Self • Present body, mind, and resources as His property. • Practice regular fasting to declare dependence on Him alone. • Anchor truth: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Serve Single-Mindedly • Choose assignments that advance His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). • When vocational duties feel secular, dedicate each task to Him in advance. • Anchor truth: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) Continual Review and Renewal • Weekly, ask: Where has a modern Dagon crept beside the Ark in my life? • Immediately confess and realign; small compromises grow into idols. • Anchor truth: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) Following these steps keeps God alone on the throne, preventing any rival from standing beside Him. |
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