We make things so complicated. Remember to keep it simple. When it comes to following Jesus we need to remember two things: Love God and Love Others. One of the scribes in Jesus’ time wanted to know what the most important law was. Jesus’ reply was to keep it simple. Love God and love others.
Mark 12:30-31
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.
Keep It In Front of You
We need to remember to keep it simple as a Christian. A couple of days ago we looked at the Shema, an Old Testament command that every Jew was supposed to memorize and write on their doorposts. There were a lot of laws in the Jewish life, and people were looking for clarity on what they were to focus on the most. Jesus takes all of the Old Testament laws and simplifies them.
Everything You Have
Jesus knew to keep it simple. He boils the ten commandments down into two very easy to remember commands. It is the Christian life summarized right here: Love the Lord and love each other. He is very clear that the love we are to show is to be with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. No area is left untouched. Full total love is expected and essential to our daily walk.
Don’t Try to Fake It
We can’t love Jesus and others half-heartedly. That comes off worse than if we didn’t love them at all. Our love needs to be with everything we have. What prevents that? Our love of ourselves. The enemy of agape love is self-love. Be warned; you cannot manufacture this love on your own. It has to be placed in you by the Holy Spirit. When we try to love others under our power, we will do well for, but eventually, we will tire or get burned out. When we love out of the fruit of the Spirit, it is pure and tapped into a source that is renewable.
Focus on Others
Keep it simple. Of course, that is easier said than done. Both of these commands force us to focus on others as much as we focus on ourselves. Loving God with everything we have will stretch us and force us to make changes. Loving others will take us out of our comfort zone in every way imaginable. While it is daunting the rewards on the other side are incredible.