The Greatest Commandment

The Greatest Commandment

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

Jesus replied, ‘”You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.”‘ Matthew 22:37-38

Some years ago, around three hundred whales were found stranded on a beach. Scientists speculated that the whales had been chasing sardines and became trapped in shallow water when the tide went out. Now that’s an amazing thing. By chasing little sardines, these gigantic creatures were ultimately led to their doom. Many people waste their Iives chasing sardines, so to speak. They major on the minors and have no clear focus or objectives in life.

But God tells us what should be the primary goal for every Christian. If we can get our priorities straight in this area, everything else will come together. In fact, if we can get these two principles operating in our lives, then all the commandments of God will become a natural outflow of our commitment to Him. What are these principles?

•  You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.

•  Love your neighbor as yourself.

When Jesus spoke these words, He was identifying what should be the focus of every person. Essentially, He was saying that love is the basis for all obedience. If you really love God, then you will naturally want to do the things that please Him. In fact, if you would love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and would love your neighbor as yourself, you would never transgress a single commandment of God. What is your highest priority in life? What is your greatest desire? Is it to please God? Then love the Lord and love your neighbor.

Prayer: Ask the Lord to inspire love in your heart for God and all people.

Scriptural Reading: Matthew 22:23-40

The Greatest Commandment