Devo for 10/27/2024 service- Message by Pastor Jeff Collene
In week 11 of “The Way That Leads to Life,” Pastor Jeff showed us how Jesus cautioned us to understand that He did not come to abolish the law but fulfill it. The verses, Matthew 5:17-20, tell how Jesus clarifies and simplifies to those listening that He is there to lay out a foundation for how we should live as Christians.
One verse Pastor Jeff mentioned stuck with me and is one I want to talk about today. It is Matthew 22:37-39:
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Now, Jesus speaks these words after an expert in the law was trying to test Him by asking which command in the law is the greatest. So, let’s dive in and look at this command and apply it to ourselves.
The first part, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind,” is pretty obvious. We are to put God first in all areas of our lives. We surrender everything to Him, and we submit to His Word. I think we can all agree we may struggle with this at times, especially living in a world of busyness and temptation. This takes discipline.
The next part, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” is one of those verses we may see as one thing to do: Love our Neighbor. But I want to talk about the whole statement. It says to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
So, can we agree that it could also be said: I will love my neighbor the same way I love myself? That brings into question, do I love myself? If I don’t, how well do I love others?
A good test to determine how well we do in this area is to stand in front of a mirror and then be truthful when asking yourself if you love what you see. I would encourage you to write down what you think and then check it with God. Take the time and ask Him what he thinks about you. Here is what He would say:
I created you in my image (Genesis 1:27).
I know the number of hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30).
You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
You are more valuable than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31)
I have put everything under your feet (Psalm 8:6).
I have crowned you with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
I gave you everlasting life (John 3:16).
Men, take this opportunity to get with Father and have the discussion on how you see yourself. We have to be OK with how God created us, and quit trying to be who we are not, or try to make changes based on what we want. Rather, take our thoughts to Him and let him lead us into the image and identity He created us to walk in! I promise that if you listen to Him, it will be life-changing! (And you will be a better neighbor!)
You are worth it!!!
Don’t forget to invite God into your day!
Romans 8:1
Ephesians 1:5
1 John 3:1