Day #17: Wednesday, January 20th

The Most Important Thing

Scripture References:  Gal. 6:10, Matt. 22:37-40, Matt. 25:40

Devotional

And love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is this: live a life of love." (2 John 1:6)

Because God is love, the most important lesson He wants us to learn on earth is how to love.  Love is the foundation of every command He has given us.  Learning to love is not an easy task because it runs counter to our self-centered nature.  Aren’t you glad that the Lord has given us a lifetime to learn it?  Paul encourages us,

When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers." (Gal. 6:10)

God wants His family to be known for its love more than anything else.  Jesus said that our love for each other, not our doctrinal beliefs, would be our greatest witness to the world. ​

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." (John 13:35)

Small groups are such a priority at our church because love cannot be learned in isolation. You have to be around people, yes, those often irritating, imperfect, and frustrating people.

In 1 Cor. 14:1, Paul writes, "Let love be your highest goal!" Love must be our primary objective and greatest ambition with relationships being the most important thing above everything else. Don't get caught trying to squeeze time for others into your schedule. Finding time or making time for others gives the impression that relationships are simply a part of our lives, when God teaches  that relationships are what life is all about.   It is not by chance that four of the Ten Commandments deal with our relationship to God while the other six deal with our relationships with people.  Jesus said,

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Matt 22:37-40).

Relationships, not achievements or acquisition of things are what matters most in life.

How you treated others, not your wealth or accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth.  Mother Teresa said, “It’s not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters.”  Learning to love is so important because it is the one thing that you will be evaluated on in eternity.  Jesus said, “…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me.” (Matt 25:40). 

Whether you get anything else done today, make sure that you spend time loving other people because that is what life is all about.  It’s the most important thing.

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to the truth that love is the most important thing.
It may not be easy but I will determine to seek out others today to show your love.
I will be known for loving others.
It will be my highest priority today.
May I live with the attitude that relationships with others,
And cultivating those relationships is what life is what matters most in life.
I commit to make love the most important goal today.
In Jesus’ Name.