Rooted: A Journey Through the Larger Catechism
Rooted: A Journey Through the Larger Catechism
Post 8-
The One and Only: The Living and True God
Q8. Are there more Gods than one?
A. There is but one only, the living and true God.
When Life Pulls in a Thousand Directions
Some mornings, I wake up with my mind already racing—emails, meetings, campaign calls, family, and community needs all pulling in different directions. If I’m not careful, my heart starts bowing to the loudest voice of the day.
That’s what makes this catechism question hit home for me. It’s not just asking a theological question—it’s confronting a practical one:
Who really has my worship today?
Because in truth, we all serve something.
For some, it’s success. For others, reputation. For many of us, it’s the illusion of control.
But Scripture and the catechism bring me back to center:
“There is but one only, the living and true God.”
One God. One truth. One King over all.
The God Who Holds It All Together
The Bible doesn’t leave room for multiple centers of gravity. It says:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4
That’s not just a theological statement—it’s a leadership anchor.
It means there’s one Source behind every good thing that happens in my family, my work, and my calling.
It means that the same God who rules galaxies also cares about Gilbert, Arizona.
When I realize that the Lord is one, not many, it quiets the chaos.
He’s not divided—so I don’t have to be either.
Reflection: In a world that glorifies multitasking, the unity of God reminds me that I can’t serve two masters. The secret to peace is not more balance—it’s more surrender.
The Living God
The catechism adds two words that make all the difference: “the living and true God.”
He’s not a concept. He’s not a story from the past. He’s alive—moving, speaking, present.
I’ve seen that life show up in quiet ways:
A prayer whispered in exhaustion that somehow found an answer.
A conversation that turned into reconciliation.
The strength to stand firm when I felt like giving up.
That’s the mark of a living God—He’s not remembered; He’s experienced.
“My soul thirsts for the living God.” — Psalm 42:2
The True God
Truth has become negotiable in our age—bent by feelings, convenience, or popularity.
But God’s truth doesn’t shift with the culture or the polls. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He’s true in His character—faithful when we fail.
He’s true in His promises—steadfast when we doubt.
He’s true in His Word—reliable when everything else changes.
“The Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.” — Jeremiah 10:10
Reflection: As someone who works in leadership and strategy, I’ve learned that everything man builds eventually shifts. But God’s truth doesn’t. That’s why He’s the only foundation safe enough to build my life on.
One God, One Allegiance
To say “there is one God” isn’t just a belief—it’s a declaration of loyalty.
It’s choosing who I will ultimately serve when everything competes for my attention.
When success calls, I remind myself—He’s my Provider.
When fear whispers, I remind myself—He’s my Protector.
When control tempts, I remind myself—He’s sovereign, not me.
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” — Exodus 20:3
Reflection: The question is not if we’ll worship, but what. Every decision, every calendar block, every dollar spent answers that question. For me, I want my life to say clearly: the living and true God reigns here.
My Prayer
Lord, You alone are God—living, true, and eternal. When my world feels loud and divided, draw me back to You. Be my center, my peace, and my purpose. May my words, work, and worship all declare that You are one—and You are enough.
Coming Up Next
Post 9 – How Many Persons Are There in the Godhead?
We’ll explore the mystery of the Trinity—how the one true God exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.