“You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3

The other day I was reflecting on the passing of some people who had influenced my life and ministry. Once such person was Lewis Smedes, one of my seminary professors.

I re-read a column I wrote based on a quote by Professor Smedes. This column is as pertinent today as it was then.

Dr. Smedes wrote that there are “…three desires of the modern heart – the urge to feel good, the urge to make good, and the urge to look good.”

It is often with almost religious zeal and devotion that we sit at the feet of this sacred trinity of our culture. We commune at the table, which commemorates the body of self-seeking pleasures and the blood or self-serving sacrifices.

Feeling good is that god of pleasure giving feelings. We will do anything to wipe out the rigors of daily living. Its adherents drink from the cup of warm fuzzies and gather around the priesthood of therapists and Oprah. Give us this day our daily dose of warmth and forget what is really important in life.

Making good is the god of materialism and success. Modern man and woman gather around the altar of Wall Street and kneel at the foot of the almighty dollar. We have daily devotions from the Book of Dow Jones and memorize those things, which will make us successful. Forgive us our debts and lead us not into bad investments and deliver us from recession.

Looking good is the god of self-centeredness. We gather at the mirrored altar of health spas, fad diets, designer clothing and plastic surgery. Its prophets are Jack, Richard, Cindy and Jane. Its benediction is no pain, no gain. Its value is youthfulness.

The sacred trinity of feeling good, making good and looking good make for good lives. However, feeling good, making good and looking good make lousy gods.

Which is it for you? I hope this column gives you something to think about as you live out your daily lives for there is but one true God and we are to worship no other.

You may want to check out Lewis Smedes’ book, A Life of Distinction.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Cory, d.v.

d.v., deo volente: God willing