Yesterday, I discovered, after serving as the senior pastor of our church almost fifteen years, I am a complete and total failure.
It all started after the staff meeting, when Susan told me someone had called asking to speak to me. She said he had identified himself as a local attorney and he was not a member of the church. This immediately got my attention.
Just for the record, for the attorneys in our church, don’t take this personally, but no one wants to talk to you. It never turns out well.
I walked to my office wondering why this unknown attorney had called.
I dialed the number and a very nice man named Kurt answered the phone. He shared with me that he works with some of the attorneys from our church. He spoke very highly of them. Kurt and one of the attorney’s plays a trivia game on a regular basis. This just happened to be, not just a very accomplished attorney, but also one of the finest people I know.
Kurt said the trivia question was: “What is the First Commandment.” The attorney in our church said, “Honor your father and mother.” Kurt thought that was so funny, he had to call and share it with me.
That’s right, after listening to years and years and years of my preaching, our attorney, who is actually one of our lead ushers, blew the Ten Commandments right out of the water. I couldn’t have been more depressed.
I told Kurt that this would be today’s Daily Devotional. He told me he was looking forward to reading it and giving his friend a hard time.
Just for the record, the First Commandment is the only one that truly matters. All the other commandments are symptomatic of not following the first one.
This commandment says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
If we follow the First Commandment, then everything else will fall into its right place.
So choose today to make the First Commandment, the most important commandment. You will be glad you did.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, for my own sake, help me put you first in every aspect of my life. Allow me to see your truth, experience your joy, and function out of your wisdom. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
While I have no intention of sharing the name of our attorney that got the First Commandment wrong, Joel knows who I am talking about.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 