“I am the Lord your God… you shall have no other gods before me” Exodus 20:2-3 ESV. This was the first of the ten commandments. This seemed like a very restrictive law given to the Hebrews for absolute monotheistic compliance. Even before this written law, the Hebrews were accustomed with the oral laws of God – there were the Adamic, Noahic and Abrahamic covenants. But they were surrounded by nations practising polytheism. The Hebrews themselves practiced polytheism while in Egypt. So in the midst of the then social norms, values and cultures, this commandment was unusual and exceptional. God’s demand for monotheistic compliance was given for man’s own good.

Let me share 3 thoughts:

1. We have a rebellious spirit. Whenever we are told to strictly obey or refrain from something, we would be itching to try it or push the limit. Rules, processes and procedures are often bypassed. Why? Because “I know a better way”, “I am in control of the situation,” “This is so outdated, so cumbersome”, “I am an exception to the rule”, etc. Many get away with it. Some get into trouble. We see this trait in young children. It does not disappear with adulthood. It will tempt us, particularly when we feel our freedom is encroached upon or that we are being unfairly deprived.
2. We want to be independent. It is our innate nature to want to be in control of our life. In the creation story, God gave the first couple one restriction while they were living in a perfect environment. And God regularly visited them to commune with them.  But they did not zealously guard it with contentment and obedience. It did not take much persuasion from Satan to reveal their rebellious nature. They lacked nothing, but perceived that they did. Eve was tempted; Adam nonchalantly participated. Both probably thought it must be beneficial. Otherwise, why the constraint? To be like God sounds good. So, they decided and chose independently of God. They were scammed big time! Instead of gaining a benefit, they lost everything – kicked out of paradise; turned to hard labour for survival; and most critically, separated from God.
3. We have a wandering heart. The Hebrews knew the story of creation, the great flood and the life of Abraham. They saw how God brought down the mighty Pharaoh; they saw the shekinah glory of God, the parting of the Red Sea and much more. Who else could or would do such awesome and wondrous deeds for them? But their awe and amazement were short-lived. They grumbled, complained, and became disgruntled. They even had the audacity to craft the golden calf for worship amid God’s thundering presence at Mount Sinai.

For as long as the church has existed, the thinking and behaviour of God’s people have been at risk of being influenced by the world’s system. The gods of this world have expanded from golden calves to infiltrate ideology, philosophy, arts, behavioural sciences, etc. New liberal concepts are introduced and pushed aggressively by ‘experts’. Social media markets them readily. The insidious push is for ‘co-acceptance.’ Those embracing it are tagged as being ‘progressive’.  By our very nature, it is easy for us to be preoccupied and obsessed with   many things. This strict command is good and necessary to prevent the fragmentation of our whole-hearted devotion to God.

Jesus distilled the Ten Commandments into two commandments. The first and greatest   commandment is “Love the Lord your God with All your heart and with All your soul and with All your mind.” Matt 22:37 (emphasis mine). Keep your heart wholly for the Lord. You cannot go wrong.

By brother Shi Pau Soon