Q48. What do the words "before me" in the first commandment teach us?
The words "before me" teach us that God sees everything, and he notices and is very displeased when people worship any other god.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Ezekiel 8:5–6
“Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry. He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.”
Psalm 44:20–21
“If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What do the words "before me" in the first commandment mean?
- 2
How does it change things to know that God sees everything, including what we love most?
- 3
Do you act differently when you think no one is watching?
Illustration
At school, some kids only follow the rules when the teacher is looking. But God is never not looking. The words "before me" remind us that God sees every heart. He knows what we worship even when no one else does.
Application
Because God sees everything, secret sins are never secret to him. Ask God to give you an honest heart that wants to worship him alone, even when no one else can see.