NO OTHER GODS: Returning to Put God at the Center
- Angel Santiago
- Dec 24, 2025
- 3 min read
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3
What is silently competing for the throne of your heart as you try to follow God?
In a world full of distractions, voices, and priorities that compete for our attention, the first commandment continues to resonate with surprising clarity: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” It is not just an ancient instruction; it is a daily invitation to reorder our hearts.
God Deserves Our First Loyalty
God is not just another item on the list. He is the Creator and Lord of the Universe, the only One worthy of occupying the first place in our lives. When we understand who He is, we realize why our devotion, obedience, and love must begin with Him.
What Does It Mean to Put God First?
Putting God first is not an abstract concept. It is a practical and constant decision. A “god” is not only a statue or a pagan deity; it is anything that governs our hearts or determines our decisions.
Some modern “other gods” may include:
Money and possessions
Career or professional success
Personal comfort
Family or friends
Fame, power, or security
Addictions
Romance or sex
The church (when it takes God’s place)
Extreme patriotism
Superstitions, horoscopes, or beliefs outside biblical faith
Anything that takes the place that only God deserves becomes an idol.
Biblical Examples That Inspire Us
The Bible is full of stories that show what it means to honor God above all:
Abraham was willing to give up his son Isaac, proving that God was his absolute priority (Genesis 22:1–14).
Elijah challenged the false prophets to show that the Lord alone is God (1 Kings 18:20–40).
Hosea experienced firsthand the unfaithfulness of God’s people, reflecting God’s pain when we turn to other gods (Hosea 1–3).
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego risked their lives rather than deny their devotion to the one true God (Daniel 1; 3; 6).
These stories are not just ancient accounts; they are mirrors inviting us to examine our own hearts.
What Jesus Taught About This Commandment
Jesus was clear and direct:
The greatest commandment is: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
He also taught that no one can serve two masters; eventually, one will take the throne of the heart.
And He reaffirmed: “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”
For Jesus, loving God is not a spiritual option; it is the foundation of the entire Christian life.
The Heart of the Law: Loving God and Loving Others
Jesus summarized the entire law in two principles:
Love God with all your being.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
The first four commandments teach us how to love God. The next six teach us how to love others.
God is not looking for empty rituals; He desires hearts that recognize Him and lives that reflect mercy, justice, and love (Hosea 6:6).
An Invitation for Today
This commandment is not a burden; it is an opportunity to live free from idols that never satisfy. When God takes first place, everything else finds its proper place.
Perhaps today is a good moment to ask ourselves:
What is competing for first place in my heart?
What must I surrender to put God back at the center?
How can I show today that He is my priority?
May the Lord help us live with a whole, devoted, and fully surrendered heart.
Song:
Amarte solo a ti – Gregory Rogers
