The Ten Commandments: No Other Gods (Revised)

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."  Exodus 20:3

"Exodus, the original Mission Impossible."

The exodus was already in progress. The Israelite nation had been freed from the slavery of Egypt, their cruel masters had been drowned in the depths of the red sea, and now they were being lead to Canaan, the land of their inheritance.

Their leader was a man named Moses. In the past, he had been a mere shepherd, but God had bigger plans in store for him. He saw the presence of God within the burning bush, he talked to God face to face, like one man speaks to another, and he unleashed God's wonders on the land of Egypt. His mission was simple, he was supposed to bring the children of Israel home.

Then one day, Moses received an incredible message from God Himself. "I come unto thee in a thick cloud," He said. "...that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee forever." This news must have excited Moses. Finally, they would know for certain that he had seen God. "I will visit them in three days." God continued. "Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai."

And He sure did. On the third day, God descended on the mountain and it caught fire. Moses brought his people to the base of Mount Sinai, where they saw God's eternal glory. They knew now, without a doubt, that God was their leader. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." He said. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

And so it began. God wanted to transform a congregation of slaves into a nation worthy of representing His name. That change could only come from new-found wisdom, and so, God revealed The Ten Commandments. These Commandments were designed to uplift and strengthen mankind, to lead their civilizations, and guide them home to God's presence.

Who is God exactly?

God, very simply, is the Father of all Mankind. He created man in His own image and He views us with a paternal regard. He is unchanging and trustworthy, and His objective on this earth is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

One belief that is fairly common is the belief in the Trinity, which is that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are the same being, just with separate roles and forms. I find this doctrine hard to relate to. If God and Jesus Christ are the same being, why is Christ always praying to Himself? How can The Holy Ghost descend upon Himself while the voice of God the Father declares that He is His Own Begotten Son? Either God is a incomprehensible being with no sort of relation to mankind or we should trust the words of God Himself when he declares that Jesus Christ is His Son.

The commandment to have no other Gods before Him, means to place our loyalties in God. When He appeared to Moses and the Israelites on Mount Sinai, they knew without a doubt that their God was The True and Living God. From that point on, God made a promise with His people. If they would obey His Commandments and worship Him, He would make them a holy nation and give them eternal life. In essence He said, "Follow Me, and I will make you my children." Later on, when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to the earth, He repeated that same Commandment, "Follow Me." The Holy Ghost also gives us that same commandment, "Follow Me." Having no other Gods before Him, means to follow His example and dedicate ourselves to Him.

How Should We View Other World Religions?

I believe that the worship of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost is the center source of truth in this world. Through Jesus Christ and His teachings we can enjoy all of the attributes of godliness, happiness, and peace. In addition to Jesus Christ and His servants, there are many other religious figures on this earth who taught their people principles of love and godliness. They wanted to bring brighter color to their cultures. I believe that these men were taught true principles directly from God himself. I believe that any serious differences between faiths were started by men long after these leaders had lived and died. 

Once we have gained a testimony of Jesus Christ, we are expected to devote ourselves to him. I believe that in the last days, many people of all nations, cultures, and faiths will be brought to Jesus Christ by the principles of righteousness that they already follow. This is what I feel that God expects us to do concerning other beliefs. He wants us to befriend them, honor and defend their true principles, and invite them to learn of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the biggest blessing from following this commandment is that we won't have to compromise either our faith or our learning. We will be able to learn of other faiths and consider their truths from a perspective founded on Jesus Christ and his Atonement. We will understand how these religions fit into God's plan for His Children and we will be able to coexist with them.

"Looking for God? Maybe he's in His house!"

Ideas To Live This Commandment

Pray for a Testimony of Jesus Christ
Once we know that Jesus Christ is the savior, we receive direct access to the source of all truth. We can receive that testimony through prayer. I personally feel that The Book of Mormon explains the process best, "I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:4-5)