“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6 (BSB)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (BSB)
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” – Matthew 22:37–38 (BSB)
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” – 1 John 5:21 (BSB)
This commandment teaches that our identity and security must rest in the Lord alone—not in wealth, success, reputation, or human relationships. Bishop TJ Johnston (AMiA, All Saints, SC) says, “The First Commandment exposes the quiet idols we serve. It calls us back to surrender, to say: ‘You, O Lord, are enough.’” (Gospel & Identity, 2016) When rightly understood, the commandment is a call not just to obedience, but to joy in God’s supremacy.
Gerald Bray (ACNA-affiliated, Beeson Divinity School) emphasizes that this commandment is foundational: “All sin begins with a failure to honor God as God. That is why the First Commandment stands first. It teaches us that everything in life must be oriented around the glory of God.” (God Is Love, 2012) The other nine commandments flow from this one—if God is first, we will desire to keep the rest.
The First Commandment also directs our affections. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) writes, “This commandment trains our loves. We are always worshiping something; this command redirects our worship to its rightful object—the Triune God.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2018) It is not only about what we do, but what we treasure.
Fr. William Beasley (AMiA, Anglican Awakening) adds, “Obedience to the First Commandment is the beginning of revival. When God takes first place in our homes, churches, and hearts, reformation follows.” (Revive Us Again, 2015)
“Worship belongs to the Creator alone. This is the commandment that seals the soul to God as His own possession.” – Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, c. 180 AD
“To love God above all is to see rightly. He is not one among many—He is the source of all things, and worthy of all our praise.” – Basil the Great, On the Holy Spirit, c. 375 AD
“Let us examine ourselves. Do we trust Him only? Do we serve Him wholly? The First Commandment demands not just belief, but allegiance.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Matthew, c. 390 AD
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
