Why is it important to exclude false gods from worship?

The exclusive worship of the true God is vital because false gods lack the power to save and lead believers away from the truth. Isaiah 46 highlights the futility of idolatry, stating that those who invoke false gods pray to entities 'that cannot save.' Worshiping the true and living God is also about acknowledging His sovereign power and authority; as John 17:3 states, eternal life is tied to knowing God as He truly is. The biblical narrative consistently reveals that God is jealous for His glory and has declared that He will not share it with another. Thus, participating in worship of any false god can compromise the integrity of true worship and diminish the glory due to the sovereign Lord.