We might be tempted to think these verses are only about us and our obligations, but upon closer examination one can begin to understand that they tell us more about God and His desire for us to know Him in Christ. At issue here is that as humans it is difficult for us to rightly relate and appropriately respond to His love when we are so focused elsewhere. One of the characteristics that is innately human is our tendency to pursue knowledge of that which we love. This is true of us from the cradle to the grave and as a result, we do not zealously invest in that which does not interest us. Therefore, that which we have the greatest love of shapes all our affections and determines our path.
Isn’t it the same in our relationship with God? Can we really know Him in the way He has purposed if other loves become greater rivals? As our passage reveals, His desire is for our single-hearted devotion. This is not the voice of an egocentric god who demands worship as the ancient pagan gods demanded, but the voice of a loving God who knows we will only find fulfillment in Him. Finally, consider this: God knows that our most subtle idolatries are in making the command of God greater than God Himself. They are subtle because they begin with righteousness and obedience to the law of love, but end in disproportionate affections that dishonor God. Let us be mindful that if He tests us in these loves, it is only because we were created to know Him intimately.