Many of us take the First Commandment seriously only during the penitential season of Lent. We examine our hearts, give up little comforts, and turn our attention back to God. But the First Commandment is not a seasonal commitment. It is a daily, lifelong call to put God above all else—365 days a year. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength every single day, not just when the liturgical calendar prompts us.

Below are subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways we may be breaking the First Commandment today without even realizing it.

1. Trusting in Luck Instead of Providence

It seems harmless to say, "Fingers crossed!" or carry a lucky charm. But when we place our trust in luck, fate, or superstition, we fail to acknowledge God as the true source of all blessing and protection. 

This contradicts the First Commandment, which calls us to trust God alone.

Example: Believing a certain color or number will bring bad luck, or avoiding making decisions on certain days.

Catechism Reference: CCC- 2111 – Superstition is a deviation of religious feeling and the practices this feeling imposes.

2. Making Celebrities or Influencers Our Role Models

Admiring someone is fine. But when admiration turns to idolization, we may be giving to human beings the reverence due to God. When we quote celebrities more than Scripture or imitate their lives more than Christ's, we have misplaced our loyalty.

Example: Prioritizing what a celebrity says over Church teaching, or altering your values based on influencer trends.

Scripture: "You shall have no other gods before Me." – Exodus 20:3

3. Obsession with Physical Appearance or Fitness

Taking care of our health is part of good stewardship. But when our bodies, weight, or image become an obsession, we begin to worship ourselves. God no longer sits on the throne of our hearts—our self-image does.

Example: Spending excessive time in the gym while skipping prayer or Mass.

CCC Reference: CCC 2289 – Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us, but they are not an absolute value.

4. Consumerism and Materialism

Modern culture tells us that buying more will make us happier. But when our sense of worth or peace comes from material possessions, we are trusting in mammon (wealth) rather than in God.

Example: Constantly upgrading devices, clothing, or cars not out of need but for status.

Scripture: "You cannot serve both God and money." – Matthew 6:24

5. Pride and Self-Reliance

"I got this." This popular mindset suggests we are in full control of our lives. When we live without acknowledging God’s sovereignty or seeking His guidance, we exalt ourselves over God.

Example: Making major life decisions without prayer or spiritual counsel.

CCC Reference: CCC 2094 lists pride and presumption as sins against the First Commandment.

6. Neglecting to Evangelize or Defend Our Faith

Staying silent about God in public spaces or among friends can be a subtle denial of His importance in our lives. The First Commandment calls us to witness to God with courage and love.

Example: Hiding your faith in professional circles to "fit in."

Scripture: "Whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father." – Matthew 10:33

7. Putting Family, Career, or Even Ministry Above God

Yes, even good things can become idols if we place them above God. Our families, jobs, and ministries must be oriented towards God, not replace Him.

Example: Skipping Mass or prayer because of work deadlines or family outings.

CCC Reference: CCC 2086 – The First Commandment requires us to nourish and protect our faith with prudence and vigilance.

8. Moral Relativism

Saying, "What’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for me" undermines objective truth and God's commandments. When we decide right and wrong based on feelings or opinions, we dethrone God as the moral lawgiver.

Example: Supporting behaviors or ideologies that go against Church teaching in the name of "tolerance."

Scripture: "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." – Judges 21:25

9. Spiritual Indifference and Lukewarmness

Not caring about your relationship with God or being indifferent to prayer, sacraments, or acts of mercy is a silent but real violation of the First Commandment. Indifference breeds forgetfulness of God.

Example: Saying "I believe in God" but living as if He doesn't exist.

CCC Reference: CCC 2094 – Indifference and ingratitude are sins against God's love.

10. Turning to Occult Practices or Horoscopes

Curiosity about the future is natural, but when we seek guidance from tarot cards, horoscopes, or mediums, we are not trusting God but seeking power and knowledge apart from Him.

Example: Reading horoscopes daily or consulting psychics for decision-making.

CCC Reference: CCC 2116 – All forms of divination are to be rejected.

Conclusion

The First Commandment isn't just about avoiding idol statues. It's about making God the center of your life every day—not just during Lent. Let us strive to love and serve Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, remembering that idols today may not be golden calves but glowing screens, inflated egos, and unchecked ambitions.