From a New Testament perspective, on the other side of the incarnation of Christ and the fulfillment of the gospel, the first commandment means giving to Christ the worship He deserves. We go from Mt Sinai and “worship God alone” to Mt Zion pictured at the transfiguration where the voice is heard, “This is my Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” If we don’t know God through Christ, then we don’t really know God. The first commandment can now only be properly obeyed when we worship and obey the one who alone shows us the one true God. Christ alone is worthy, willing, and mighty save.

For further consideration: Whom do you praise? We may compliment our children, spouse, and friends, but who receives our highest praise? Whom do you trust? Yes, God works through physical means such as doctors, insurance companies, and prescription medicine, but when we are really in need, who do we know will always come through? Whom do you call on for answers to life’s difficult questions and decisions? Where do you turn for purpose and joy? Whom do you thank? Where do your good days come from? Honest answers to these questions will reveal the real gods in our lives. Only in Christ can we find satisfying and saving answers. Only in Christ can we obey the first commandment.