’ -Matthew 22:37-39
Whoa.This verse is packed full of commitments. They're all tough ones too. This is what God requires of us.
It requires everything.
First, we must love the Lord with ALL of our heart. Not the good parts, or half of it, but ALL OF IT. Does that sound easy? Here's the definition of heart (not the actual organ): The repository of one's deepest and sincerest feelings and beliefs. It has to be sincere. It has to be with the deepest part of your heart. Every single part of it. That's just the first step.
Second, we must love Him with all of our soul. The soul contains thoughts, emotions, and actions. So everything we do, say, and feel should reflect our love for God. Wow. That too also requires EVERYTHING of us. You may feel what God wants you to, but it means nothing if not put into action. We must essentially live for Him. Our daily goal should be striving to be more Christ-like. Living as he lived. Thinking as he thought. Feeling as he felt.
Third, we must love Him with all our mind. The definition of mind is: The collective conscious and unconscious processes in a sentient organism that direct and influence mental and physical behavior. He requires mental and physical love. He wants ALL of it. God wants complete and total commitment. Following Him is not easy. We must carve out time for him (technically He should be the one carving out time for us. Fitting GOD into OUR schedule is not the right way to be seeing things). We have to fight for it. It's not easy.
Lastly, we should do the most important thing. We should love our [friends] as much as we love ourselves. How well we take care of ourselves, we should also do for our friends. Friends meaning everyone whether you like them or not. You should be willing to give them the best you've got. God did the absolute same thing for us. The things we acquire are not our own. We don't own them. God does. Don't hold on to something, it's not your's to begin with. It's God's because he provided you with it. It's a tough way to think this way.
Following God is not easy. It's the toughest thing you'll ever do. But it's the best thing you could ever do. He will give you such an adventurous life. He will show himself in so many ways if you let him. Let him take control of your life. Talk to him. He's been waiting far too long for you. He's called your name so many times. Don't you think it's time you answer?
“When you find your path, you must not be afraid. You need to have sufficient courage to make mistakes. Disappointment, defeat, and despair are the tools God uses to show us the way.”
― Paulo Coelho
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