July 10 Devotion: Wrongly Exalted Things

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

         There are so many things in this world that try to take the preeminent position in our lives. Each one is vying for the number one place. Some of these things may be viewed as good but some are evil. Let us consider a definition of evil. It is anything “that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God”. In its simplest form, it is an idol because it gets between you and God. God has a rightful place, and it is not beneath anything else. He is to be high and lifted up. (Isaiah 6:1) He sits on the throne as Sovereign. He is worthy of all praise and glory, but there are things that try to take his place.

         These things pull us down and influence our worship, commitment, and obedience. These thoughts must be brought “into captivity” or they will lead us away from our proper fellowship with God. If we stop and think about it for just a moment, we will realize just how bombarded we are every day with things that strive to gain our attention and affection. These exalted things pull at us and draw us toward them by every means possible. We must constantly be on guard. The Bible says we must walk “circumspectly” (Ephesians 5:15) which means with exactness and with diligent awareness.

         These things are the devil’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11) and we should not be surprised at their origin, for it is the devil himself who wants to be exalted above God. So, he uses whatever he can to achieve that goal in our life. He wants the preeminence.

Isaiah 14:12-14

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

         Let us submit ourselves to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through these treacherous days. Let us be sure that in all things Christ would have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18)

In Christ's Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5