Readers Digest Version
I have read the Readers Digest pretty often. There are some great jokes and funny life stories in there as well. I especially like when they put a condensed version of a book and you can get the storyline and outcome of the book by skipping the details and getting to the heart of the plot as well as know the main characters in the story. Don’t get me wrong; I love a good book with all the details and word pictures. I also enjoy getting to the point quickly and moving right along.
Jesus pretty much gives a “Readers Digest” version of the Ten Commandments when He was approached and asked which was the greatest of the commandments. Check this out….
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. (Mark 12:28-34 NIV)I’ve heard it said that Jesus was summarizing Commandments 1-5 with the first command and Commandment 6-10 with the second command. I would be wise to make these two commands the reason for my existence on this earth. The Lord created me to love Him and love others. That is how He wired me. If I get off track from that, then I’m not functioning as I was designed.
I have opportunities every day to show my love for God – to honor Him, to obey Him, to follow Him. He opens many doors to love others as well. I would be wise to show love and respect for others. This should flow freely from my relationship with the Lord. Jesus clearly said that these are the two most important commands – period.
Pressing On! Dwayne