this is today

As disciples of Jesus there are many goals for us to aim for in our spiritual walk. Studying the Word, developing our spiritual gifts, serving in the local body, stretching out into ministry and a multitude of other things.

But there is one overarching purpose to our faith that we must never lose sight of. And that is to passionate, wholeheartedly love God.

Mark 12:28-30

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Jesus tells us this is the first and greatest command He has for us; Love our God with everything we have! Loving Jesus is our greatest command and our highest call.

I believe our world is crying out for people who are passionate about their God. People all around us are seeking the real deal. Not hollow religiousity, not gentle platitudes, not two-faced living, not luke-warm spirituality. But whole-hearted, passionate people truly in LOVE with their God.

Because this is so critical, we need to continually gauge our passion and love for Jesus and we can do this according to Mark Chapter 12:

• Heart: Where do your deepest affections lie? What moves your heart? What matters to you, thrills you or angers you?
• Soul: Our soul will follow either the flesh or the Spirit. So are you walking according to the Spirit or flesh? Which captures your attention throughout each day?
• Mind: What does your thought life reflect about you? Are you becoming more like Jesus through the renewing of your mind?
• Strength: What does your life outwardly say about what you love? What does the way you spend your life’s resources (time, talents, finances, relationships etc) say about your love for Jesus?