Keys for Kids Devotional: The Ten CommandmentsSample

Top Priority

“Hey, Mom, I’m going over to Robby’s to shoot some hoops,” called Vincent as he bounded down the porch steps.

“Hold on, young man,” said Mom. “I have some questions for you.”

“Okay, but make it quick. The guys are waiting,” Vincent said as he dribbled up and down the sidewalk.

“For starters, could you please hold that ball still for just a minute?” asked Mom. “Have you finished the chore list I gave you this morning?”

Vincent twirled the ball on his index finger. “Um, most of it.”

“Did you do your Bible reading today?”

“Aww, Mom. Can’t I just play ball with my friends for a while? I’ll do that later.”

“I know you think you’ll get to it later, but from what I’ve seen lately, all you think about is basketball. You’re either playing it, reading about it, or watching it.”

“I think about other things,” Vincent retorted. “You make it sound like I worship basketball.”

“That’s an interesting way to word it,” Mom said. “Worship can be defined as excessive admiration for someone or something. And basketball seems to be all you care about.”

Vincent stopped twirling the ball. “I guess that does sound bad.”

“Playing basketball isn’t bad. In fact, I’m glad you’ve found a sport you really enjoy. However, when it becomes the top priority above everything else, that’s not good. The Bible warns us about how easily we can make gods out of things we love instead of worshiping the one true God, who gives us those good things. The first of the Ten Commandments says, ‘You shall have no other gods before me.’ That means Jesus should be your top priority. He’s the one who saved you from sin and gave you eternal life. Basketball may bring you temporary happiness, but only Jesus can give you the joy that lasts forever.”

Vincent looked down at his basketball. He knew his mom was right. He had let basketball become more important than anything else. “I guess you’re right,” he said. “But it’s hard. I want to follow Jesus, but I love playing basketball too.”

Mom smiled. “You can follow Jesus and love basketball, Vincent. You just need to keep your priorities straight. Enjoy basketball as a gift from Him—but not at the expense of everything else.”

—Kendra Angle

HOW ABOUT YOU?
What’s your top priority? It’s easy to let sports, hobbies, or even friends become the most important thing in your life. Those are all things God gave us to enjoy, but none of them should become more important than Him. Jesus loves you, and He knows nothing can fulfill you apart from Him. Enjoy the gifts He’s given you, but worship Him alone.

TODAY’S KEY VERSE:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 (KJV)