House rules, school rules. Rules for driving, rules for riding and flying, rules for board games, sports, and even social media posts. The list goes on. As a teacher, I always felt badly for kids as the first day of school was unavoidably chockful of classroom rules, playground rules, cafeteria rules, line rules, and more.

Some people are comfortable with rules. For them, rules provide boundaries and safeguards. They give clear expectations. These individuals usually enjoy following the rules and are proud when they do.

Others wish rules were erased. They desire to be free to do whatever they want. They hate being told what to do and what not to do. These individuals may be found boldly bragging that they broke the rules.

God shared His rules in Old Testament times, but before He spoke the Ten Commandments, He said, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). He reminded Israel who He was and what He had done for them. He desired a right relationship with His people.

Then, God shared His number one rule, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). He was to be their ‘Number One.’ Number One meant they were not to worship other gods, not place other things or people before their relationship with Him.

This command is restated by Jesus in the New Testament. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Again, God’s desire is for us to put Him first. When we do, we are sure to be blessed. “Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust” (Psalm 40:4).

Go with God. He rules!