“I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other gods before me.

The first commandment is defined by the mandate to worship the Lord God alone and to serve Him exclusively (CCC 2084). This commandment is rooted in the fundamental truth that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4) and requires that a person believe in, hope in, and love God above all other things (CCC 2134). It is inextricably linked to the greatest commandment, which is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:5, CCC 2055). This command serves as the foundation for the relationship between humanity and the Creator, emphasizing that the moral life originates from faith in a God who reveals His love (CCC 2087).

Theologically, the first commandment forbids the honoring of any gods other than the one true God, specifically condemning irreligion and superstition (CCC 2110). Superstition occurs when religious feeling is deviated, leading a person to attribute efficacy to external practices rather than interior dispositions (CCC 2111). Furthermore, the commandment prohibits idolatry, which consists of divinizing things that are not God or honoring created beings instead of the Creator (CCC 2113). Such actions are incompatible with communion with God, who will not tolerate the compromise of His worship (Exodus 20:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:15-16). As part of the Decalogue, this commandment is a gift of the covenant intended to free humanity from the slavery of sin and lead them toward a path of life (CCC 2058, 2060).

To examine one’s conscience regarding the first commandment, an individual must evaluate their faith, hope, and love. Regarding faith, one must ensure they are nourishing and protecting their belief with vigilance, avoiding voluntary doubt—which is the refusal to hold as true what God has revealed—as well as involuntary doubt, characterized by anxiety or difficulty in overcoming objections (CCC 2088). In terms of hope, one must guard against despair, which is the loss of trust in God’s mercy and kindness (CCC 2090-2091), and presumption, which involves either relying solely on one’s own capacities or assuming God’s mercy without a desire for conversion (CCC 2092).

Furthermore, a person must examine their love for God to ensure they love Him above all else and love other creatures for His sake (CCC 2093). This involves identifying sins of indifference, ingratitude, lukewarmness, hatred, or acedia (CCC 2093). One should also reflect on their acts of religion, such as prayer, offerings, and the fulfillment of promises (CCC 2135). Because true righteousness surpasses mere outward observance, the examination must focus on internal dispositions and intentions rather than just external actions (Matthew 5:20-22). Finally, one must ensure that no earthly treasure or desire for wealth and power has become an idol, as avarice can lead to the idolatry forbidden by the first commandment (CCC 2534, Matthew 6:21).