Back to the Basics - Love God
Back to Basics: Loving God, Loving Others, Making Disciples
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. As we transition into new seasons - whether it's back-to-school time or simply a shift in our routines - it's the perfect opportunity to refocus on the core of our faith. What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? How can we simplify our walk with God amidst the complexities of life?
The answer lies in getting back to basics. At its heart, our faith boils down to three fundamental principles: loving God, loving others, and making disciples. This simple yet profound framework encapsulates everything Jesus taught and lived.
In Matthew 22, we find a powerful exchange between Jesus and those trying to test Him. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus doesn't hesitate. He quotes from Deuteronomy 6:5, saying, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." But He doesn't stop there. Jesus adds, "And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
With these words, Jesus distills the entire law and the teachings of the prophets into two interconnected commandments. Love God. Love others. It's beautifully simple, yet deeply challenging.
But how do we know if we're truly loving God? It's not about checking boxes or following a set of rules. Instead, it's about aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with our professed love for Him. The Bible points to two key attributes shared by those who genuinely follow Jesus:
1. People of Faith: Hebrews 11 reminds us that without faith, it's impossible to please God. Our journey begins with a single act of faith - believing in Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. But it doesn't end there. We're called to continually grow in our faith, trusting God even when we can't see the full picture.
2. People Who Attribute Worth to God's Kingdom: Do we truly understand the value of what we've been given in Christ? Jesus illustrates this concept through parables. In Matthew 13:44, He compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field. When a man discovers it, he joyfully sells everything he has to buy that field. Similarly, in Matthew 22, Jesus tells of a king hosting a wedding feast for his son. Those who recognize the value of the invitation come dressed appropriately, ready to celebrate.
These parables challenge us: Have we attributed proper worth to God's kingdom? Are we willing to forsake everything else to cling to what truly matters?
Loving God isn't just about words; it's about actions that flow from a heart that understands His immeasurable worth. It's about spending time in His presence, not out of obligation, but because we recognize how vital it is for our spiritual growth. It's about worship that springs from genuine adoration, not mere routine. It's about serving others, not to earn brownie points, but because we've experienced God's love and can't help but share it.
As we seek to love God more deeply, we naturally flow into the second great commandment: loving others. Jesus inextricably links these two concepts. We can't claim to love God while harboring hatred or indifference towards our neighbors. Our love for others becomes a tangible expression of our love for God.
But Jesus doesn't stop with just loving God and others. Before ascending to heaven, He gives His followers a clear mission: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This Great Commission completes the triad of our core calling as believers.
Making disciples isn't just for pastors or missionaries. It's for every follower of Jesus. It means sharing our faith, mentoring others, and living in such a way that people are drawn to Christ through our example. It's about multiplying the love and truth we've received.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let's not lose sight of these basics. Whether we're seven or seventy, our purpose remains the same: to love God wholeheartedly, to love others sacrificially, and to make disciples intentionally.
Practically, this might look like:
1. Deepening our faith through consistent time in God's Word and prayer.
2. Examining our lives to ensure we're attributing proper worth to God's kingdom.
3. Looking for ways to tangibly express love to those around us - family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers.
4. Intentionally sharing our faith and investing in the spiritual growth of others.
Remember, it's not about perfection, but direction. Are we moving towards greater love for God and others? Are we actively participating in the disciple-making mission of Jesus?
As we embrace these basics, we'll find that they're anything but basic. They're transformative, life-giving principles that align us with God's heart and purposes. In a world of constant change and complexity, there's something beautifully refreshing about returning to these foundational truths.
So, as you go about your day, ask yourself: How can I love God more deeply today? How can I tangibly demonstrate love to those around me? And how can I play a part in making disciples? These simple questions, when earnestly pursued, have the power to revolutionize our lives and impact the world around us.
Let's get back to basics. Let's love God, love others, and make disciples. In doing so, we'll find ourselves living out the abundant life Jesus promised - a life of purpose, joy, and eternal significance.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. As we transition into new seasons - whether it's back-to-school time or simply a shift in our routines - it's the perfect opportunity to refocus on the core of our faith. What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? How can we simplify our walk with God amidst the complexities of life?
The answer lies in getting back to basics. At its heart, our faith boils down to three fundamental principles: loving God, loving others, and making disciples. This simple yet profound framework encapsulates everything Jesus taught and lived.
In Matthew 22, we find a powerful exchange between Jesus and those trying to test Him. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus doesn't hesitate. He quotes from Deuteronomy 6:5, saying, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." But He doesn't stop there. Jesus adds, "And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
With these words, Jesus distills the entire law and the teachings of the prophets into two interconnected commandments. Love God. Love others. It's beautifully simple, yet deeply challenging.
But how do we know if we're truly loving God? It's not about checking boxes or following a set of rules. Instead, it's about aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with our professed love for Him. The Bible points to two key attributes shared by those who genuinely follow Jesus:
1. People of Faith: Hebrews 11 reminds us that without faith, it's impossible to please God. Our journey begins with a single act of faith - believing in Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. But it doesn't end there. We're called to continually grow in our faith, trusting God even when we can't see the full picture.
2. People Who Attribute Worth to God's Kingdom: Do we truly understand the value of what we've been given in Christ? Jesus illustrates this concept through parables. In Matthew 13:44, He compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field. When a man discovers it, he joyfully sells everything he has to buy that field. Similarly, in Matthew 22, Jesus tells of a king hosting a wedding feast for his son. Those who recognize the value of the invitation come dressed appropriately, ready to celebrate.
These parables challenge us: Have we attributed proper worth to God's kingdom? Are we willing to forsake everything else to cling to what truly matters?
Loving God isn't just about words; it's about actions that flow from a heart that understands His immeasurable worth. It's about spending time in His presence, not out of obligation, but because we recognize how vital it is for our spiritual growth. It's about worship that springs from genuine adoration, not mere routine. It's about serving others, not to earn brownie points, but because we've experienced God's love and can't help but share it.
As we seek to love God more deeply, we naturally flow into the second great commandment: loving others. Jesus inextricably links these two concepts. We can't claim to love God while harboring hatred or indifference towards our neighbors. Our love for others becomes a tangible expression of our love for God.
But Jesus doesn't stop with just loving God and others. Before ascending to heaven, He gives His followers a clear mission: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This Great Commission completes the triad of our core calling as believers.
Making disciples isn't just for pastors or missionaries. It's for every follower of Jesus. It means sharing our faith, mentoring others, and living in such a way that people are drawn to Christ through our example. It's about multiplying the love and truth we've received.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let's not lose sight of these basics. Whether we're seven or seventy, our purpose remains the same: to love God wholeheartedly, to love others sacrificially, and to make disciples intentionally.
Practically, this might look like:
1. Deepening our faith through consistent time in God's Word and prayer.
2. Examining our lives to ensure we're attributing proper worth to God's kingdom.
3. Looking for ways to tangibly express love to those around us - family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers.
4. Intentionally sharing our faith and investing in the spiritual growth of others.
Remember, it's not about perfection, but direction. Are we moving towards greater love for God and others? Are we actively participating in the disciple-making mission of Jesus?
As we embrace these basics, we'll find that they're anything but basic. They're transformative, life-giving principles that align us with God's heart and purposes. In a world of constant change and complexity, there's something beautifully refreshing about returning to these foundational truths.
So, as you go about your day, ask yourself: How can I love God more deeply today? How can I tangibly demonstrate love to those around me? And how can I play a part in making disciples? These simple questions, when earnestly pursued, have the power to revolutionize our lives and impact the world around us.
Let's get back to basics. Let's love God, love others, and make disciples. In doing so, we'll find ourselves living out the abundant life Jesus promised - a life of purpose, joy, and eternal significance.
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