As the preamble of the Ten Commandments was essential for Israel to understand why they should obey them, the first command was foundational to understand how to obey them. If someone refrains from having other gods, the rest of the commands will follow. At this first command’s core is the uniqueness and primacy of God over everything else, including ourselves. If we hold to this proper view of God – that He alone is good and worthy of our love and full devotion – we will come to see the commandments as natural expressions of our lives of worship rather than burdens.

How could we make an idol to worship when the one true God is always with us and worthy of all our worship? How can we misuse the Lord’s name and disrespect Him when we understand how glorious He is and what He has done for us? How can we refuse to set aside time to worship Him when our hearts, transformed by the Gospel, want to worship Him nonstop? How can we mistreat other people for our own selfish gain, when Christ served us with such humility?

When it comes to obeying God, it all begins with knowing Him, loving Him, and revering Him.

• In what area – knowing God, loving God, or revering God – can you grow more to fuel your obedience?