When we get saved, we give everything to the Lord. We are just so grateful to be in His presence that we are completely surrendered.

But as time goes on we sometimes start to believe in the power of our own might. We forget the joy of our salvation, of completely laying everything down at the foot of the cross and letting go of everything that we once thought mattered.

Quite simply, we pick stuff back up.

Whether it’s people or things, we have a tendency to push God down on our list of priorities and elevate others.

We act as lost people do and give God conditions that He must meet for us to serve Him.

Celebrity singers are notorious for their ridiculous tour riders.

Once grateful to just have fans, they now have demands that must be met in order to perform.

Some highlights:

Beyoncé demands her dressing room be kept at 78 degrees and asks for chicken legs “HEAVILY SEASONED” with cayenne pepper and rose-scented candles.

Adele requires 1 Small plate of assorted freshly made, individually wrapped sandwiches, to include chicken salad. Sandwiches must NOT contain tomatoes, vinegar, chili or citrus fruit.

Rihanna  insists on adequate lighting for a “relaxed atmosphere.”

Katy Perry must have an arrangement of pink fresh flowers. White and purple hydrangeas, pink & white roses and peonies. If not available, seasonal white flowers to include white orchids–ABSOLUTELY NO CARNATIONS.

Madonna will not trvel unless she can bring a 200-person entourage, have access to 2o international phone lines, and her backstage room must look exactly like her own home.

This is just a line or two of lengthy riders from just a handful of performers. The lists are longer as are the singers who require them. While they might seem absurd, it is apparently a common practice in the music biz.

And sadly, in Christian walks as well.

Like Rihanna, we will only serve God if He maintains a relaxed atmosphere for us.

Like Adele, we have specific desires with limitations. I will go anywhere you want me to, Lord. Except another country, the Midwest, or a big city.

Or like Madonna, we will serve God but only if the entire family can have a place of equal importance in our lives.

And we sorrowfully turn away.

Because with God, there are no riders.

 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20