The GREAT COMMANDMENT: LOVING GOD AND OTHERS

In Matthew 22, we find a significant story that reveals both God's heart for us and how He expects us to interact with Him and with others. This story presents a summary of God's standard for His people in their relationship with Him and with those around them. It emphasizes the core biblical truth of loving God and loving our neighbors.


The Greatest Commandment

The context of this story is a conversation between an expert in religious law and Jesus. The religious experts had previously tried to trap Jesus with their questions. In a similar attempt, a Pharisee asks Jesus, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" It is clear that the question is not posed to pursue truth but with the intention to entrap Jesus.

Jesus responds by saying, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." He also adds, "And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Jesus' answer is clear and direct because He understands their true intentions and recognizes that the religious leaders miss God's heart and the essential principle behind the entire Law.

The Outflow of Love

Loving God with our whole being is the foremost commandment because our capacity to love others deeply and selflessly stems from our relationship with God. It is through experiencing God's love and responding to it that we can truly love others in a profound way. This love overcomes evil with good and extends even to our enemies.

Examining Ourselves

As we reflect on Jesus' response to the religious leaders, it prompts us to consider our own understanding of loving God. Are we like the religious leaders, unaware of our own hypocrisy and ignorance in our pursuit of religious practices? What takes precedence in our lives? Is there something or someone we love or idolize more than God?

The Lesson from Mark 10

The story in Mark 10:17-31 further illustrates the challenge of idolatry in our lives. A rich man approaches Jesus, seeking to inherit eternal life. He reveals that he has upheld all the commandments since his youth. Jesus, moved by love for him, tells him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Him. However, the man walks away saddened because he cannot let go of his wealth, rejecting Jesus and the treasure in heaven.

This account teaches us that idols are not always obvious, as they often begin as good things that subtly displace and dethrone God from the center of our hearts. The rich man's identity and security were tied to his wealth, making it difficult for him to surrender it. Likewise, our idols can be deeply ingrained, unnoticed aspects of our lives that we prioritize over God.

This process may take time and require a willingness to face uncomfortable truths. Once God reveals these hard realities, we need to resolutely take steps to remove these idols from our hearts and minds. It is not enough to simply displace them; we must also cultivate a sincere desire to direct our love towards God.

Identifying and Unveiling Our Idols and Internal Resolve 

In our pursuit of spiritual growth, it is essential to identify and confront the idols that hinder our whole-hearted love for God. This journey requires self-awareness, reflection, honesty, and courage. It cannot be accomplished through quick prayers or fleeting moments of devotion. Instead, it demands intentional time, disciplined obedience, and undivided attention towards cultivating a deep and dynamic relationship with God.

We must recognize the grip that idols can have on our hearts. It may not be a physical statue but rather something subtle and internalized, possibly even serving what we perceive as God's glory or ministry. These idols can take the form of wealth, education, abilities, networks, or even the ministry itself. Whatever it may be, when Jesus asks us to let go of these idols, we discern what truly captures our hearts.

Investing Time in Loving God

Love is not static or momentary; it is a dynamic relationship that necessitates intentional investment. We spend time with the people and things we love, and loving God is no different. It is crucial to set aside dedicated and uninterrupted moments for God, offering Him our prime time, sharpest state of mind, and unhurried selves. In a world filled with endless distractions and demands, loving God should take precedence over everything else.

No Shortcut to Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual growth and maturity cannot be rushed or fast-tracked. It requires consistent effort, discipline, and a genuine desire to know and love God. There are no shortcuts to this process, but rest assured, God is the best teacher on this journey. As we surrender our idols and give our undivided attention to God, we will experience true freedom and a deepening love for Him that surpasses anything the world has to offer.

Loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the greatest commandment. Jesus' invitation to the rich man to come and follow Him was an invitation to be freed from the demands and desires of the world. It was an opportunity to spend quality time with Him, know His heart, and find peace amidst the chaos. In today's digital world, we have incredible access to resources and tools that can aid our reflection and meditation on God's Word. It is up to us to intentionally carve out time for God, move beyond brief moments of devotion, and build the discipline to spend significant time with Him. So, let us identify our idols, surrender them, and embark on a journey of deepening love for God, knowing that through Christ, we gain what we can never lose.