How Exodus Teaches Us to Love God: Exodus 20

September 29th, 2025
by Richie Cancel

Are You Really Putting God First? Unpacking the First Four Commandments

In a world spinning with endless obligations and opportunities, it is all too easy to let the most vital aspects of our spiritual lives slip through the cracks. We hustle from one commitment to the next, often equating busyness with productivity or success. But what if we took a step back and considered how the first four of the Ten Commandments might provide a compass for living our lives with purpose and alignment with God's will? These time-honored principles are more than old commands—they're intertwined pathways to a life of fulfillment and joy in God.

Exodus 20:1-11

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Prioritize God Above All [Is God Your Top Priority in Life?]

"You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3)

The first commandment dives directly into the heart of our priorities. In a society crammed with distractions and endless demands, putting God first requires intentionality. This commandment calls us to examine our decision-making and priorities—are they leading us closer to God? Reflect on each decision: Does this choice draw me closer to God, or does it push me away? Are my actions reflective of a life surrendered to Him?

This realignment requires us to engage in a reflective practice where we question, "Is God truly the center of my life?"

Worship God Authentically [How to Worship the True God in Truth and Spirit]

"You shall not make for yourself a carved image..." (Exodus 20:4)

The second commandment speaks directly to the inclination to create a god of our liking. While physical idols are less prevalent today, mental images of God that suit our preferences are prevalent. Piecing together attributes from various philosophies, we often craft a God that aligns with our desires rather than the God revealed through Scripture.

True worship begins with knowing God as He has revealed Himself, characterized by a study of His Word and an openness to letting go of personal biases. It’s a transformative process—when we engage in authentic worship, it should change our hearts. If our time of worship leaves us unchanged, we have not fully encountered the living God.

Honor God's Name [What Does it Mean to Truly Honor God?]

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

This commandment extends far beyond mere prohibition of profanity. It calls for a life where our words and actions are in sync with God’s character. Claiming the Christian faith means reflecting Christ’s teachings in every facet of life.

When people interact with us, they should notice something distinct—our respect and reverence for God must be evident. Keeping the sacrificial and loving nature of Jesus in focus builds a pathway to living a life of integrity. As Jesus taught, "Let your 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no' be 'no'" (Matthew 5:37). Our reliability and trustworthiness as followers of Christ bring glory to God’s name, making our lives a testament to others.

Delight in God's Presence [How Can You Truly Enjoy God in a Busy World?]

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8)

The Sabbath is sometimes perceived as a burdensome rule, yet Jesus reframes it as a gift: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). Instead of a rigid regulation, it invites us to find rest and joy in God’s presence.

Do we carve out genuine time amidst our cluttered schedules to rest in Him? It’s less about legalistically adhering to a day and more about building a balanced rhythm between work and spiritual rest. This rhythm allows us to reconnect with God regularly, drawing strength and joy from His presence.

Living Out These Principles [How Can These Commandments Transform Your Daily Life?]

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To truly embody these commandments in our daily lives is a journey that involves growth, understanding, and action. The Apostle John proposes tests to reflect our heart's posture:

Obey God's Commandments: Love for God is evidenced by our obedience (1 John 2:3-5). It’s a tangible measure of our alignment with His will.

Treat Others With Love: Claiming to love God while harboring hatred towards others makes us liars (1 John 2:9-11). Our love for others is a window into our relationship with God.

Reject Worldliness: If worldly desires overshadow our yearning for God, it may signify a need for realignment (1 John 2:15). Our understanding of God’s love transforms our worldly desires.

Practical Application for Today

The beauty of growing in God's love is that our desires gradually sync with His. The commandments become less about checking off a list and more about cultivating a vibrant relationship with our Creator. Here are practical questions to guide this journey:

Realign Priorities: What areas need recalibration to place God at the core?

Authentic Worship: How can your worship become more genuine and reflective of the true God?

Honor in Words and Deeds: In what ways can your daily conduct better honor God's name?

Create Space to Rest: How can you better integrate rest and delight in God's presence into your weekly routine?

Closing Application and Prayer

Finding freedom isn't about indulging worldly desires but rejoicing in the God who has set us free. Each day, as you intentionally prioritize God, worship Him sincerely, honor His name, and savor His presence, you'll unravel a joy that overshadows what the world offers.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love that offers us boundless freedom. Help us to live every day with You as our priority. Teach us to worship You in spirit and truth, to honor Your name in every way, and to delight in your presence daily. Clear our hearts and minds, and draw us closer as we seek to embody Your love in this world. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.