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Jesus Christ was confronted by several of the religious leaders of his day. Their intent was to trap him in some statement. Bear in mind, these were the lawyers, the professors, the elite of his day. He was a mere carpenter from a small town — at least in their eyes.
So, Jesus. What’s the most important commandment of God. There are ten you know. What say you? What’s the most important thing?
Jesus’ words summed up the most important thing in life nicely. It was love. The power of love conquers everything. Paul says prophecies will end, gifts will end, but love? That lasts forever.
Jesus words to his accusers were simple. The more you love God, the more you will find it within yourself to love others. The opposite is also true, the more you love others; the more you accept their faults as God has accepted yours; the more you recognize the differences in others and either a God given gift or a personal struggle, the more you will experience the power of God’s love working through you.
Jesus describes this life of love as a fountain springing up within us and overflowing, Nothing can stop the power of God’s love. Love is contagious. Spread it.
In nearly every sermon or article on giving and/or money i’ve heard, this verse or it’s OT counterpart has been mentioned. Maybe it’s time we broaden our giving horizons! We live in a society in which negativity, lack of hope and loneliness are rampant. The principle of this verse goes far beyond the almighty dollar! To have a friend, be a friend; to be heard, listen to others; to be accepted when your beliefs may be different than others, accept others right to be ‘wrong’; to be loved unconditionally, love unconditionally; to receive patience, be patient. Don’t wait for others. Be the start of something great in your life! Receiving starts with giving.
When calamity comes we often ask, “Why did you do this God?” But maybe we should really ask, “Why did you do this God?” Yep. You read it right. The question is the same, it’s the attitude of heart that’s different. In the first instance the tone and intent is accusatory. In the second instance it’s reflective. King Hezekiah was a Godly man greatly used for God’s Kingdom. God “left him to see what his heart (his character) was like.” This wasn’t so his character was revealed to God, he knew. Rather it was to reveal Hezekiah’s true character to himself. God is sometimes silent so we can see ourselves as we truly are. His goal isn’t to harm or frustrate us, but to draw us closer or make us stronger.
A cheerful heart is a choice. Difficulties will come. Tragedy will occur. But the resilient spirit will see joy in the midst of calamity. A crushed spirit dwells on problems not possibilities. A crushed spirit relies on their own strength or the strength of others to flourish. When human effort fails, and it will, strength is sapped away. When we place our hope in God we can look adversity in the eye with a cheerful heart. This is impossible without Jesus Christ as Lord.
We’ve never done well with choices. Ever since Adam and Eve chose the fruit over obedience mankind has consistently chosen self-gratification. Ironically, satisfying our physical desires never lasts. The body constantly demands more to fill the emotional side of us. It’s a futile attempt because nothing we can see, taste or touch will satisfy forever. Someone once said that within the soul of every person is a God shaped hole. The only thing that will fill the void is Jesus. But here’s the kicker. You have a choice. Will you continue to try to fill the void with the temporal or will you choose the narrow road and follow Christ? It’s your choice and your decision will determine your level of satisfaction and contentment.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 