Devotional Thoughts: The Greatest Commandment

Oh how different our world would be if we could all get this one right!

Jesus uttered this profound statement in the midst of Pharisees trying to trick him. The question came is verse 36 asking which is the greatest commandment. These two things Jesus answers cover everything. I cannot hate someone if I love God in my mind, heart and soul. I cannot scam someone and love God and my neighbor.

Somehow we humans have created a duality. We compartmentalize God by following God’s ways only when we see it’s convenient or what we want. We don’t get to have our cake and eat it too despite what we might think. We are selfish and place ourselves upon the throne. We think our way matters most. We have made sinful messes. God will not bless our sin. Obedience gleans God’s blessings. Sin breaks our world some more.

How do we love God with all our heart, soul and mind? We read God’s Word and we know it. We pray for guidance and listen for God’s still small voice. We obey. While these things seem simple if you try to live them out you find a struggle. You find out how weak you really are and how much you need God.

Father forgive our self sufficiency and our dependence upon ourselves. We think too highly of ourselves. May we love You with all our hearts, our souls and our minds. May we love our neighbor as ourselves. Empower us Lord!