The practice of serving one God lies at the heart of biblical teaching. Yet, humanity has long struggled with divided worship, often turning to idols, both physical and intangible, in pursuit of security, fulfilment, or control. The question arises: can one claim to serve God while also practicing idolatry? The Bible answers this question unequivocally, revealing that idolatry directly opposes the call to serve the one true God.
In this exploration, we’ll examine what it means to serve one God, the dangers of idolatry, and the blessings of undivided worship. We’ll also address common debates and provide practical ways to live a life wholly devoted to God.
The Biblical Command to Serve One God
From the very beginning, God’s message has been clear: He alone is worthy of worship. In Exodus 20:3-5, the first two of the Ten Commandments establish the foundation of this truth:
“You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath, or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”
God’s exclusivity is not rooted in selfishness but in His sovereignty and holiness. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life, and worshipping anything or anyone else diminishes His rightful place in our lives.
Jesus reaffirmed this command in Matthew 22:37-38:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”
Serving one God requires wholehearted devotion, undivided loyalty, and a rejection of all idols, whether they are physical objects, ideologies, or personal ambitions.
The Practice of Idolatry: Is This Serving One God?
The practice of idolatry, both ancient and modern, stands in direct opposition to the worship of the one true God. But what exactly is idolatry, and why is it incompatible with serving God?
1. What is idolatry?
Idolatry is the act of giving ultimate value, trust, or allegiance to anything other than God. In ancient times, it often involved worshipping physical idols or gods made of wood, stone, or metal. Today, idolatry can take many forms, including:
- Materialism: placing wealth, possessions, or status above God.
- Relationships: Prioritising people (family, friends, or romantic partners) over God.
- Power and Control: Trusting in your own abilities, career, or influence instead of God.
- Pleasure and Entertainment: Allowing hobbies, entertainment, or addictions to consume your devotion.
Idolatry subtly shifts our trust and worship from God to created things, distorting our relationship with Him.
2. Why is idolatry incompatible with serving God?
The Bible makes it clear that idolatry is not just disobedience; it is spiritual adultery. In Jeremiah 2:13, God laments:
“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
Idolatry betrays God’s trust and faithfulness, exchanging the infinite goodness of the Creator for the finite, empty promises of created things. Matthew 6:24 warns:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
To serve God fully, we must reject all idols, both visible and invisible, and recognise Him as our sole source of life, joy, and purpose.
Biblical Examples of Idolatry and Its Consequences
The Bible offers numerous examples of idolatry and its devastating effects:
1. The Golden Calf (Exodus 32)
While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving God’s law, the Israelites grew impatient and made a golden calf, declaring it their god. Despite witnessing God’s miracles, they turned to a man-made idol. The result? God’s judgement fell upon them, and many lost their lives.
2. King Solomon (1 Kings 11)
Despite his wisdom, King Solomon’s heart was led astray by foreign wives who worshipped other gods. Solomon built altars for these gods, disobeying God’s command to serve Him alone. His idolatry led to the division of Israel and a legacy of disobedience.
3. The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22)
In the New Testament, a rich young man approached Jesus, asking how to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow Him, the man walked away sorrowful because his wealth was his idol. He could not serve God fully while clinging to his riches.
These examples highlight the incompatibility of idolatry with serving God and the spiritual consequences of divided worship.
Why serve only one God?
1. God’s Sovereignty and Holiness
God is the Creator of all things, and no one can rival His power or authority. Isaiah 45:5-6 declares:
“I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.”
Serving one God acknowledges His supreme rule over all creation and His unique holiness.
2. God’s Faithfulness
Unlike idols, which are powerless and transient, God is faithful and unchanging. Psalm 115:4-7 describes the futility of idols:
“Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak; eyes but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell.”
Only God can meet our deepest needs and desires, offering eternal life and a relationship with Him.
3. The Blessings of Devotion
Serving one God brings peace, purpose, and joy. Psalm 16:11 beautifully expresses this truth:
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Debating the Call to Serve One God
Some argue against the exclusivity of serving one God, citing pluralism or the pursuit of multiple interests. Let’s address these objections:
Objection 1: Isn’t serving one God narrow-minded?
Some see worshipping one God as restrictive in a pluralistic world.
Response: Serving one God is not narrow-minded; it is freeing. It aligns us with the truth of who God is and His purpose for our lives. John 14:6 states:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Objection 2: Can’t We Serve God and Other Pursuits?
Others believe they can serve God while also prioritising wealth, relationships, or success.
Response: Divided worship is not true worship. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to:
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Putting God first ensures that everything else finds its proper place.
Practical Steps to Serve One God Fully
- Identify and Eliminate Idols Reflect on anything that may be competing with God for your attention and loyalty. Surrender these to Him.
- Prioritize Worship Dedicate time each day to worship, prayer, and studying God’s Word. Worship draws your heart closer to God.
- Live in Obedience Serving one God means obeying His commands. As Jesus said in John 14:15: “If you love me, keep my commands.”
- Trust God Completely Place your full trust in God’s provision, wisdom, and plan for your life. Reject the temptation to rely on worldly things for security.
Conclusion: The Joy of Undivided Worship
The call to serve but one God is not a limitation but an invitation to freedom, peace, and purpose. Idolatry, in any form, robs us of the fullness of life that God desires for us. By rejecting idols and devoting ourselves wholly to the one true God, we experience His unmatched power, faithfulness, and blessings.
As Joshua 24:15 boldly declares:
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Choose today to serve one God and live a life of undivided worship and loyalty. In Him alone, you will find all that you need—now and forever.