One God for everything

I think it’s a beautiful scene. Peter and Gaius working together, talking about God. A Gentile and a Jew. And although they are very different, they still walk together.

Gaius explains how the Romans have different gods for every area of life: Mercury for safe travels, Mars for victory in war, Juno for fertility, Neptune for a good catch, Vesta for peace in relationships, etc.

The important thing is to make sure “the gods are favorable to you.”

Peter explains how the Jews have the same God in every area of life.

YHWH for victory in war, YHWH for fertility, YHWH for a good catch, YHWH for peace in relationships, and so on. Always the same One God. Everything falls under His authority, power, rule, and providence.

This divide isn’t as far off today as we might think. Spiritual matters? Go to church. Risks? Get good insurance from the bank. Mental health issues? Find a good therapist. Do you see?

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with good therapy, solid insurance, or going to church with your questions. The underlying question is, “What do you place your trust in?” Do you rely on people, systems, organizations, money, or ‘gods’ that give you a sense of stability or security? Or do you place your trust in God, and His Son Jesus alone, while using the resources He provides (such as a therapist, a bank, or the church)? That makes the difference.

In the New Testament, Jesus references this passage. The question is asked: What is the greatest commandment? The answer comes from Deuteronomy 6: Love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind (everything you have and are), and love your neighbor as yourself. Place all your trust in Him alone, for apart from Him, there is no other God.

When you look at your life through that ‘lens,’ what do you see?

Here are some questions to reflect on:

• What do you place your trust in?
• Who do you place your trust in?
• What place does Jesus hold in that? How do you feel about it?
• What invitation from Jesus do you hear in this today?

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, I confess that I often place my trust in things other than You. My earthly ‘securities’ give me a sense of safety—I love it. But You call me to trust only in You, to love You, and from that place, to love those around me. Lord, this is how I want to live. Will You help me with that? Thank You for today’s reminder. You are good. Amen.”