The first commandment in the Bible is found in Exodus 20:3 and reads, “You shall have no other gods before me.” This is the introduction to the Ten Commandments, given to Moses by God as a way of showing His people what He expected from them.
The first commandment is important because it is the cornerstone of all other commandments, the foundation for what is expected of God’s people. This commandment makes it clear that the Lord is the only God and we must not worship false gods. It also declares His supremacy and sets God apart as the one true God.
This commandment is often used to remind believers that they must put their faith and trust in God alone and not be led astray by false gods and idols. This is especially important in a world that is full of competing interests and ideologies. It is a call to remain devoted to the Lord and worship Him alone.
Theologians have long discussed the implications of the first commandment and how it applies to contemporary society. Dr. Timothy Keller, an American theologian, argues that the commandment is still relevant today and encourages believers to put God first in all of their decisions. “God is to be the single determining factor in how we orient our lives and order our loves,” Keller says.
Theologian J.I. Packer agrees with Dr. Keller’s sentiment and notes, “No commandment of the law was ever more unambiguous or so extensive in its application.” Packer goes on to explain that the first commandment is applicable to all aspects of life, from moral decisions and religious practices to financial priorities and all other decisions.
The first commandment also serves as a reminder to believers of the Lord’s steadfast love. In the New Testament, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This serves as a powerful reminder that true love comes from the Lord and must be kept at the forefront of all of our lives.
These beliefs are affirmed in the writings of the Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine, who taught the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength. He noted, “Love God with your whole being, and you fulfill the law.”
The Nature of Idolatry
The Bible speaks extensively about the consequences of idolatry, or using other gods or images to replace or supplement worship of God. The first commandment speaks directly to this concept and warns against the dangers of putting anything above our devotion to the Lord. In Leviticus 26:1, God puts it plainly: “Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it.”
The Bible is also clear that idolatry can take many forms, as it doesn’t have to be an overt act of worshipping a false god. Greed, materialism, and ambition can all be considered forms of idolatry if they are put before serving God. We can also idolize people, relationships, or even ourselves if we fail to keep our devotion to the Lord above all else.
As important as it is to avoid idolatry, the Bible also teaches us that we should not be obsessive in our avoidance of it. Jesus says, “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.” He’s telling us to keep our focus on the Lord while still living a balanced life, being mindful of the things that we devote time and effort to.
Putting the First Commandment Into Practice
We can best honor the first commandment by living a life that honors the Lord. This includes being mindful of our actions and our relationship to God. We can do this by reading the Bible regularly, praying regularly, and attending worship services. We can also seek out opportunities to serve the Lord and the people in our community.
Getting involved in a church or a charitable organization is another great way to put our faith into action. This gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our love for God and our commitment to doing His will. We can also use our talents and resources to help build God’s kingdom and demonstrate our devotion to Him.
Finally, we should strive to imitate Jesus in our daily lives and have a heart that is devoted to the Lord. By striving to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, we can honor the first commandment and remain true to our Christian faith.
Developing a Worshipful Attitude
Living a life of devotion to the Lord begins with developing a worshipful attitude. This means that we take time to reflect on the magnitude of God’s love and the importance of serving Him. We can do this by practicing gratitude, recognizing God’s mercy and grace in our daily lives, and actively looking for ways to serve others and honor the Lord.
We can also cultivate a worshipful attitude by seeing ourselves as valuable and beloved members of God’s family. Knowing that we are loved and valued by God can encourage us to put our faith in Him and strive to serve Him faithfully. We can also be inspired by the example of Jesus and imitate His love and devotion to the Lord.
Finally, spending time in prayer and reading the Bible can be a great way to cultivate a worshipful attitude. We can use this time to reflect on God’s greatness and revel in the knowledge that He is our rock and our refuge. Taking time to draw closer to the Lord and renew our faith can be the foundation for a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him.
The Power of Fellowship
A vital component of living a life devoted to the Lord is finding fellowship with other believers. Connecting with other people of faith can be a great way to strengthen our relationship with the Lord and deepen our understanding of His Word. It can also provide an opportunity to build relationships with people who share our faith, pray with us, and encourage us in times of difficulty.
We can pursue fellowship by joining a church, Bible study group, or youth group. We can also look for spiritual mentors and teachers who can help us to better understand the Word of God and learn how to live our faith more fully. Finally, we can extend our fellowship to others by serving others in our community and being an example of what it looks like to follow the Lord.
Ultimately, fellowship is an essential part of our journey with God. As we connect with other believers, we can share our faith, grow in our understanding of Scripture, and bring glory to the Lord together.
Devoted to the Lord
Living a life devoted to the Lord is the foundation of honoring the first commandment. We can start by developing a worshipful attitude and growing in our understanding of the Scriptures. We can also find fellowship with other believers, build relationships centered on faith, and serve the Lord through our words and our deeds.
We should strive to remember the Lord’s love and mercy and seek to remain devoted to Him in all areas of our lives. This will help us to honor the first commandment and show our love for the Lord in everything that we do.
