Welcome to our new series on the Ten Commandments! Over the next few weeks, we will delve into each of these foundational laws, beginning with the first four, which focus on our relationship with God. While many of us might have memorized the Ten Commandments as children or heard numerous sermons on them, it's crucial that we approach this study with fresh eyes and an open heart, seeking to discover how these ancient commandments still speak to us today.
The Greatest Commandment: Putting God First
Imagine being able to sit down with Jesus today, just as the scribe did over two thousand years ago. What would you ask Him? Maybe you’d ask why certain things have happened in your life, or how you can find the right path. The scribe in Mark 12:28-31 had one pressing question: “Which is the first commandment of all?” Jesus’ answer was simple yet profound: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” This answer, which encapsulates the essence of the Ten Commandments, guides us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
As we begin our journey through the Ten Commandments, we start with the very first: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). This commandment is not just about avoiding idols of wood or stone; it’s about ensuring that nothing in our lives takes precedence over God.
Three Choices to Keep God First
To help us honor this commandment in our daily lives, we can focus on three key choices:
1. Seek His Kingdom, Not Material Things
In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material wealth. Many people work long hours, often at the expense of their relationships and spiritual health, just to acquire more. But Jesus warns us in Matthew 6 not to be anxious about our needs, saying, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When we focus on God’s kingdom rather than material possessions, we ensure that nothing competes with God for our devotion.
2. Seek His Strength, Not Your Own
Another common pitfall is the belief in our self-sufficiency. From a young age, we are taught to be independent, to “pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.” But this mindset can lead us to rely on our own strength rather than God’s. Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” By acknowledging our need for God’s strength, we avoid making an idol out of our own abilities.
3. Seek to Love Him Most
The most effective way to avoid idolatry is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. When our love for God is supreme, nothing else can take His place in our hearts. This holistic love, involving every aspect of our being, ensures that God remains at the center of our lives.
Worship God Alone
As we reflect on the first commandment, it’s important to examine our lives for any areas where we might have placed something before God. Whether it’s material possessions, our own strength, or any other aspect of life, we must strive to keep God first.
We can do this by making church, prayer, and Bible study priorities in our lives. Regular worship and fellowship, constant communication with God, and a disciplined study of His Word will help us maintain our focus on Him. Additionally, practices like fasting can help us deepen our devotion and seek God’s guidance more earnestly.
Remember, we worship God alone because He is worthy. He has done great things for us, and we can trust Him to provide, guide, and teach us to love Him more. Let’s commit to making Him the priority in every aspect of our lives.
