Frowning and biting his lip, my two-year-old grandson shoved the round block into the triangle shape on the lid of the shape sorter bucket. He shoved, twisted, banged, and whined. But nothing would make the round block go through the triangle-shaped opening. Knowing the block was supposed to go into the bucket, he finally took the lid off and threw the block inside. He looked at me and grinned. 

Watching my grandson try to fill the hole in the bucket reminded me that each person has a God-yearning deep inside, like a hole that needs filling. The Creator is evident by His creation, yet many try to fit the wrong block in the God-shaped hole. Family, work, love of money, and self are some of the blocks we use to fill the hole. We can shove, twist, bang, and whine, but the wrong block can’t fill the opening. 

Family

The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

~Matthew 10:37 NASB2020

I love my family, but they don’t belong in the God-slot. Whenever I neglect my time with God in favor of loved ones, I’m forcing family into God’s place. They have no hope of filling His spot within me. In fact, if I want a good family relationship, I should put God first. God is love. I can better love my family by loving God most.

Work

But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

~Luke 10:41-42 NASB2020 

Filling my time with work or busyness to the detriment of my relationship with God will bring hopelessness. Busyness can’t replace God, and it won’t fit in the God-slot. Jesus told Martha that she was distracted and worried by many things, but Mary chose better when she chose Him. Letting work dominate our actions and thoughts pushes opportunities for time with God out. Work is a thing to be done; worship is a time to experience. 

Money

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

~1 Timothy 6:10 NASB2020

Money can’t satisfy either. The more we get, the more we want. However, the more of God we get, the more of Him we want. He also satisfies along the way and brings a desire to share with others. Money can turn eyes inward, breeding dissatisfaction and selfishness. Love of God brings joy, peace, and fruitfulness. Money is a heart issue, and the desire to acquire much money can overshadow the desire for God. The block won’t fit. We should fill the God-slot with God and let Him handle the blessings.

Self

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

~Galatians 2:20 NASB2020

Nor will self fit in the God-slot. One of the biggest roadblocks to experiencing God is the pursuit of self-fulfillment. When I focus solely on me, I become too big for my breeches. Selfishness is a limited existence because it centers around me. Bending the knee to God puts my identity in Christ and opens my world through Him. All things are possible through Him when He has the first spot.

Our God-slot is only large enough for Him. Things of the world are second place, at best. God-first puts everything right. With what things do you attempt to fill your life? Do they usurp God’s spot? Let God be your shape shorter. 

Start with God, and everything else will fall into place.

Lord, keep me mindful of things that may crowd out Your rightful place. Turn my heart to following You and not the world. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

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