Top X June 8, 2025 Devotional

EXODUS 20:4 | ⁴ You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth.

Human nature has been defined in many ways. Some emphasize our capacity for memory, analysis, and reason. Some stress the human drive to dominate and control, our animus dominandi. Some feature our technical distinctiveness, especially the capacity to devise and make tools. Others examine the human interest in solidarity, the ability to form and maintain groups for particular purposes. But the definition I prefer concentrates on our passions, particularly our natural pull toward love and devotion. I prefer this because it encompasses other approaches. It is our love for discovery and truth that drives our intellectual quests. Our love for power that pushes us to seek control. Our love for community that buttresses solidarity. Our love for progress that pushes technical innovation. What we love and adore determines what we give our attention to and our efforts to advance. What we worship and value, what commands our respect and reverence, what elicits our admiration—this is our idol and the center of our devotion. We were made to love and so what we decide to love and honor is the most important decision we make.

What are your top loves?

Gracious God,

You alone are worthy of our greatest devotion. May all our other loves be ordered towards our love for You.

Amen.