The First Commandment says: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:1-2).

Last week, I made the case (alongside King David) that the Law of the Lord should delight us, and that it is the most effective summary of God’s expectations for our moral life. Today, we’ll begin with the First Commandment.

There are so many ways to apply the First Commandment. I could list possible idols (success, grades, money, etc.) that tempt students and their parents. I could mention the influence(rs) of the world and the promises of materialism. But I want to talk about the First Commandment more positively.

Before He commands us not to worship anyone else above God, God reminds us of His character. He is the God who brought Israel out of Egypt–who called, led, and provided for them in the wilderness.

As the Providence community, we recognize that God has done the same for us! He has called us together to raise our children in the knowledge and love of God, separate from other institutions and modern methods of education. He leads us by His word, in the western Christian tradition, to live righteous lives before Him. He provides for us as we teach, model for, and discipline our children according to His way.

At Providence we recognize that our mission starts with knowing and loving God. We must know His character, which is revealed to us as we study His word and obey His commands.

Let this be an encouragement to you, then: the best way to learn to love God as families and as a community is to read Scripture, out loud, together. And talk about it. Read it at the dinner table. Read it in the drop-off line. Show your children, by consistent practice, that God is known through His Word and that it is a joy to know Him.

It’s hard to take much from the other nine Commandments if we don’t get this one right. It’s also hard to imagine enjoying the other Commandments if we aren’t, as John Piper says, “seeing and savoring” our Lord. Let’s take the opportunity, with the new year starting, to form or strengthen these habits of reading Scripture with our families.

— Anderson Underwood