THE GREATEST OF ALL THINGS

What is the most significant act you could perform for God?

1. Is it being a good person or doing the right things?
2. Giving greatly when the offering plate comes around?
3. Is it praying for the sick to be healed?

1. Ephesians 2:8 tells us that it is not by our works but by His gift of Grace that we are saved, so doing good things or being a good person definitely comes later.
2. Luke 21:1-4 shows us that it is not how much you give but how you give.
3. Matthew 7:21-23 shows us that even performing such wonders, even in His name, are not as important as…


OUR LOVE FOR GOD

Jesus explained that the greatest of all commands is this: Luke 10:27. This command is not a new one. We sometimes get so wrapped up in the 10 commandments that we lose sight of this one. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 explains that we must make this love for God the primary drive for our living. We must carry it with us everywhere, especially in our homes.

When we love Him we can properly show that love for others and even ourselves. Matthew 25:34-36 outlines the acts of one who does out of a love for the Father. Think back to the widow’s offering, what do you think the driving force was behind her desire to give? Love for the Father!

He loves us first! When we return that affection so much greatness awaits us! Psalm 91:14-16 shows us that he protects us; Hebrews 12:10-12 also shows that he will discipline us, but with that we must remember that we are never given more than we can handle.

Being the good guy, and doing the right things will then come naturally because it is from our love for Him that we will find joy in obedience, we will find that following His ways are like common sense and ‘a given’.

Remember Matthew 11:30 only becomes a reality when we try to carry His burden, and walk with Him through a love for Him, not a sense of duty.