San Francisco entrepreneur Sam was so controlled by desires to live a millionaire lifestyle that he fraudulently raked in $31 million from investors with promises of incredibly high returns.

 What or who controls you?  Chances are that the person or thing that controls you is also the thing you worship. In our “enlightened” society we may not create idols of gold or silver but we still have 50 inch flat screens that we sit in front of for hours at a time. It may not be an object, it may be a person. Husband, wife, child or even a boyfriend or girlfriend could be elevated to the point of our worship. In short, anything we place above God in importance is an idol we are worshiping.

 In the book of Esther, Mordecai was commanded to worship Haman and yet he refused because he knew it was wrong. He was not going to allow himself to be controlled by an evil official. He knew what was right and therefore refused to worship anyone besides God. Friend, we can learn from Mordecai. If there is anything in your life that you may be worshipping, it’s time to stop. Ask the Lord to reveal to you any idols you may have created and seek God’s forgiveness and grace. He will gladly give it to you and help you to find the joy that comes from worshipping Him alone.

 Life Lesson: We are to worship, or be controlled by, God and God alone.

 Samuel Cohen’s life is now being controlled by officials at the Terminal Island Correctional Facility in Los Angeles, California. He’s scheduled to be released in November of 2029.

David McGee is the founder of Cross The Bridge Ministries as well as a pastor, teacher and author.  He may be contacted using the form below.

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Column #14-0302 (Life Lesson based on Esther 3:2 teaching)