When it comes to TV remotes, we’re a multiple remote family. We have a remote for the TV, a remote for the cable box, one for Roku, one for our Facebook camera, and I’m pretty sure the white one is for a robot vacuum that died several months ago. But since I’m not sure about that, I’m afraid to throw the remote away.
When our kids call us on FaceTime, we frantically hunt through a large pile of remotes to find the right one. It’s almost comical. When it comes to TV remotes, we’re a polytheistic family. Life would be better if there were only one true remote.
Our confusion over multiple TV remotes echoes humanity’s confusion over multiple objects of worship. For most of mankind’s history, and some major religions are still this way, we were exactly like this when it came to gods. We were polytheistic, believing in many gods. There’s the god of thunder, god of the harvest, god of the weather, one god for this city and another god for that city. It must have been hard figuring out which god to pray to when.
The truth is, though, that there is only one God, and his name is Yahweh. This is monotheism, the belief that there are not many gods but one God.
The Old Testament actually gives us many names for this one God, and through those names, God reveals to us who he is. But among all the names for God, Yahweh is his proper name, and it’s a name that can never be used of any false god. He shares this name with Moses in Exodus 3:14-15, and the name means “I am who I am.” With that name, God is telling us that he has existed and will exist for all eternity, he’s the creator and sustainer of everything that has existed, exists, or will exist, and much more. He’s the One who was, who is, and who is to come, the One, the only One, who has always been and will always be.
The Old Testament teaches us repeatedly that there is only one God and we are to worship only him. One of the most important verses in all the Bible is Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as the Shema:
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
Jesus agreed with this (Mark 12:29-30). The Shema represents the core belief of both Judaism and Christianity that there is only one God. Other verses that emphasize the truth that God is One include 1 Kings 8:60; Isaiah 45:5-6, 21-22. The New Testament echoes the truth of the existence of one true God: Romans 3:30, Ephesians 4:3-6, and these words from James:
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! (James 2:19).
The first step in understanding the doctrine of the Trinity is to acknowledge that there is only one God, Yahweh. He alone deserves our praise and worship. There is no other god. He’s the One and Only. Christians are not polytheists, believing in multiple gods, but monotheists, recognizing the One God to rule them all.
What difference does any of this make? If there is only one God, then worshiping any other god is evil. Idolatry, which is the worship of any created object, is wicked and harmful. Idolatry can involve worshiping man-made objects, nature, money, possessions, ancestors, or anything we allow to compete with God for our ultimate loyalty. In today’s world, idolatry can take the form of an excessive focus on social media or pursuing your career at the expense of your family. Even hobbies can become modern-day idols. It’s important to recognize any idols in our lives and make sure that God is our primary focus.
As a pastor from long ago once said, “If you want to know whether you worship more than one god, check your bank account and your calendar.” Look where your money goes. Look at what occupies your time. Is there anything that rules your thoughts and cares and time and energy – your life – other than the one true God? He alone deserves your loyalty, your worship, and your obedience.
This week, take some time to look at your priorities. Take time to meditate on your relationship with God and where he fits in your life.
There are four essential truths we must accept to understand the doctrine of the Trinity. The first is this:
There is only one true and living God. God is One.
Don’t just accept that truth. Let it shape the way you live.