Scarecrow in a melon patch

Today there is one organizing principle that stands way above every other thing in my life: the will of my God! It is the standard by which I will measure everything else. You will do it, too. Everybody does. We choose to buy this, to say that, to go there, to stay here – not as randomly as we might think. We are serving something or somebody. The question is not ‘will I serve my God?’ for we are designed for that purpose and fulfill it. The primary inquiry should be – Who is my God? The worshipper takes on the character of his god.

Jeremiah preached about the choice of gods sarcastically chastising his audience for their silly decision to serve idols.
“Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. … Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.”
No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you. They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols. …

But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King." (Jeremiah 10:2-10, NIV)

“Your gods,” he mocks, “are like scarecrows – can’t walk, can’t talk; can’t hurt, can’t help!” He goes to point out that because they serve fraudulent gods, they are “senseless and foolish.” Now you might thinking, “Jerry, this doesn’t apply to me. I’m far beyond carving a god and carrying it around for good luck.” Probably true, but have you made a god of Chase Bank, or the US Government, or your best friend, or your Self? Gods come in many forms. If your hope for the future relies on an increase in your net worth- your god is money! Whatever you’re organizing your life around, giving your best energies and resources to, and drawing your security from – is your god!

A god of gold will make a worshipper of greed.
A god of sensual pleasure will make a worshipper of gluttony or lust.
A god of reputation will make a hypocrite obsessed with social conformity.
The Lord of Glory will make a worshipper of who is filled with "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

Jesus told us to carefully evaluate our words against our actions when it comes to declaring our God. Singing the right songs on Sunday does not make the Lord our God, He says. Getting involved with a missions project does not mean we love the Lord. Take a look. “Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’ " (Matthew 7:21-23, The Message)

Who is your God?
It’s an important question with consequence in this life and eternity.
"O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago." (Isaiah 25:1, NIV) "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. " (Isaiah 25:4, NIV)

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You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls

But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody

You may be a construction worker working on a home
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You might be somebody’s landlord, you might even own banks

You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be workin’ in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody’s mistress, may be somebody’s heir
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody

Gotta Serve Somebody

Bob Dylan
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