I think of it as a test of our love for Him. It's as if God is saying; "Good for you if you obey my rules when you understand the reasons for them. But what I want you to do, is obey me when you don't understand."
The tree in the garden was Adam & Eve's test, which they failed. There is no other reason for having put it there, that I can think of.
Of all the "rules" mentioned in Exodus 20: 3-17, one has all the characteristics of exactly the same kind of test for the present time.
"I think of it as a test of our love for Him."
I know that many Christians don't believe as my church believes, and don't accept as scripture some of the works we accept, but perhaps this will illustrate your point?
6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
7 And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
8 Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
(Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:6 - 8)
Sacrifices don't have to be burned on an altar to be made to the Lord.