The first commandment is well known: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).

It’s about putting God first. But we easily miss something else that is very important. It’s connected to the word “gods.”

Let’s be honest. That word can make many of us uncomfortable. We know there is only one true God, the Lord. So what does it refer to? Is God simply telling us to not make up fake gods to worship?

That is certainly a part of it. But there’s more.

The Hebrews had just been saved out of slavery in Egypt. That was a land of many gods. In fact, it can be argued that each of the 10 plagues corresponded to an Egyptian god. Through the plagues, God was demonstrating that the gods of Egypt were weak and impotent. 

Further, the Hebrews were headed toward the Promised Land. That too was a land of many pagan gods. Temptation to worship foreign gods was everywhere! 

But again, there’s more.

Both Moses and Paul taught that behind the “gods” and idols of other nations were actually demons!  (Deuteronomy 32:17, 1 Corinthians 10:20, ESV)

To have no other gods is not only about not making up fake “gods” to worship. It’s also about rejecting false religion and accompanying demonic deception.

As modern people, we are particularly naïve about all of this. We mistakenly think that anything “spiritual” is good and leads us to the same source. Wrong. If you are seeking some sort of divine insight or power that is not from the God of the Scriptures you are pursuing another “god,” which may actually be demonic. For them, anything that lures you away from the Lord is a win.

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

Our King, Savior and Father wants the absolute best for us. He loves us too much to let us blindly volunteer for deception and agony. Let’s put him first—and live free in the love, truth, and light he provides for his children.

Notes:

-“How do I know what my idols and gods are?” Click here. Sermon.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.