God or Baal?

“If you refuse to obey what you have been taught,
your prayers will not be heard”.  Prov. 28:9  NCV

Will God allow us to pray to Him and be materialistic at the same time?

Does God allow materialistic prayers?

Actually, no!   It was very problematic for the children of Israel.  Among their problems was the breaking of the first commandment in Exodus 20: 3, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”  Also in Deut. 6:4, He said, “Hear, O Israel!  The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!”   

When people are open to everything, they have no real commitments, and cannot enjoy either allegiance with God or Satan.   Sadly, modern Christians face this same problem.   While striving to serve God, they bow down to the god of materialism believing that the modern day “Baal” can bring happiness.  They do not enjoy godliness because their carnality strips them of the joy of their salvation.

This attitude causes the Christian to constantly pray for an easier life, more wealth, and happiness without suffering.   In this type of prayer, the Christian views God as a genie in a magic lamp.   They feel that if they rub their lamp hard enough, long enough, and often enough, they can force God to accomplish THEIR will.  

Elijah had a word for those of his generation who were “faltering between two opinions”.   “……Elijah came unto all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions?   If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him…..””  I Kings 18:21 NKJV

Notice that Elijah did not ask the people to base their decision upon who could bring them prosperity, happiness, or health.  He challenged his listeners to base their decision upon one factor: who is truly God.

Elijah has a word for today’s Christians.   Clearly, his words echo through the centuries to ask us: “How long will you falter between two opinions?” 

We must choose our allegiance based upon who is God.   Our motivation for following God is not because He can get us into heaven, or because He can bring joy into our life, or because He will provide us with every wish and desire, but because HE IS GOD!