No Other Gods: Why the First Commandment Still Matters

Imagine a marriage where one spouse constantly entertains other “options.” The vows might say, “forsaking all others,”but the heart isn’t fully committed. Could you really call that love? Could you really call that covenant secure?

That’s exactly the picture the first commandment gives us. In Exodus 20:3, God says: “You shall have no other gods before me.” This isn’t just the opening line of the Ten Commandments. It’s the foundation for everything that follows. Before we can live rightly with others, we must first live rightly with God. He demands —and deserves—first place.

The Timeless Nature of the Commandments

The Ten Commandments aren’t outdated religious relics. They are timeless truths written by the very hand of God. Think about it: God didn’t etch His will onto shifting sand or temporary parchment. He carved His commands into stone—permanent, weighty, enduring. They are a moral roadmap for every generation, offering clarity in a world of confusion.

Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 5:17–18 when He said He didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. In other words, the commandments aren’t void—they find their ultimate meaning in Him. They still matter because God still matters.

Understanding God’s Supremacy

The first commandment begins with God’s supremacy. He is not one option among many. He is the only true God. We see this demonstrated throughout Scripture:

• In Egypt, God displayed His power through the plagues, showing that the so-called “gods” of Egypt were powerless before Him (Exodus 7–11).

• On Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Their god stayed silent, but the Lord answered with fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:20–39).

Exodus 18:11 says it plainly: “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods.” The message is clear: there is no competition. God alone reigns.

Prioritizing God in Our Lives

But God’s supremacy doesn’t just demand acknowledgment—it demands alignment. Having “no other gods” means placing Him above everything else. It’s a call to set spiritual priorities over material pursuits.

Colossians 3:1–4 puts it this way: “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” Jesus echoed this in Matthew 6:19–21 when He told us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth. Why? Because earthly treasures decay. Eternal treasures endure.

Our earthly lives are temporary, but our true home is in heaven. That reality should shape how we live, how we spend, how we love, and how we serve.

Trusting in God’s Sufficiency

At the core, this commandment is about trust. Who—or what—do you trust to provide? To protect? To satisfy? If your trust is in wealth, success, popularity, or even yourself, you’re dethroning God.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 says: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord… They will be like a tree planted by the water.” Trusting God doesn’t mean we always understand His timing. It means we believe He is enough.

Corrie Ten Boom illustrated this beautifully when she compared God’s provision to a train ticket. A child doesn’t receive the ticket weeks in advance—they receive it right before boarding. In the same way, God gives us the strength we need exactly when we need it—not a moment sooner, not a moment later.

Why This Matters Today

We may not bow down to statues of Baal or Ra, but idols still exist. They’re just dressed differently.

• Success can become a god.

• Entertainment can become a god.

• Relationships can become gods.• Even good things—like family, ministry, or security—can quietly take God’s place in our hearts.

The first commandment calls us to clear the clutter and return to our first love.

Conclusion: Aligning Our Lives with God’s Command

The first commandment isn’t just about rejecting false gods. It’s about embracing the one true God—acknowledging His supremacy, prioritizing His kingdom, and trusting in His sufficiency. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), everything else falls into place. Our relationships, our priorities, our decisions—they all flow from a heart that’s fully aligned with Him.

So here’s the challenge: lay down your idols. Identify the distractions. Clear the stage of your heart and give God His rightful place. Because when He is first, everything else finds its order. And when He is first, we discover that He truly is all we need.

-Greg