2022
What does “have no other gods” mean?
April 2022

“What does ‘have no other gods’ mean?,” For the Strength of Youth, Apr. 2022.

To the Point

What does “have no other gods” mean?

Image
the Lord appearing to Moses

The Lord Appearing to Moses, by Wilson J. Ong

Jesus Christ said that “the first and great commandment” is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37–38). Part of this means to “have no other gods before [Him]” (Exodus 20:3).

The Lord did not want His people to give their hearts, souls, and minds to anything ahead of Him. He warned them that wealth, friends, and those they married could distract them from focusing on Him (see Deuteronomy 7:3-6; 8:11-14; 13:6). The Lord wants His people’s thoughts, desires, and actions to be guided by Him. He knows this will help us have the greatest happiness.

Today, prophets have warned us about “false gods.” For instance, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, once said:

“What other priorities are being ‘served’ ahead of God … ? Consider these possibilities, all common in our world:

  • Cultural and family traditions.

  • Political correctness.

  • Career aspirations.

  • Material possessions.

  • Recreational pursuits.

  • Power, prominence, and prestige” (Oct. 2013 general conference [Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 72]).