The Great Command

Read

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

Think

We live in a world of constant noise and numerous distractions, sometimes making it challenging to focus on what truly matters. Deuteronomy first tells us to “Hear, O Israel.” It's an urgent call to pay attention, focus our minds, and listen carefully. It's announcing something significant: The Lord our God is one. This is an affirmation of God's singularity, his unique nature, and absolute sovereignty.

Following this statement is an equally compelling command: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Love, here, is not simply an emotional response, but a total commitment. It involves every aspect of our being – heart, soul, and strength. It suggests complete devotion, a love that dictates our thoughts, governs our feelings, and guides our actions.

God's not just asking for part of us or the best of us; he's asking for all of us. He wants a relationship with us that is marked by complete and utter devotion. This kind of love can truly be a transformational force in our lives. So here's our call to action: love God, not half-heartedly, but with everything we've got.

Apply

Today, take a moment to contemplate what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. How can you express this love in your daily activities? Begin by identifying one area in your life where you can demonstrate more devotion to God.

Pray

Dear God, I am thankful that you are one, unique and sovereign. I commit to loving you with all my heart, soul, and strength. Help me live this out daily, giving you my complete devotion in everything I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.