Read it- Matthew 22:36-40 NLT
Live it-
I used to work in a juvenile detention facility. Expecting to make an impact, I took the job, but I was the one who was impacted. I met so many bright, affable children. But in all my time there, I noticed one commonality in what each child needed. After security and safety, they just wanted to be loved.
Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” He 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.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
I didn’t know it at the time, but a lack of loving myself is what brought me to my knees to accept Christ and start living a life devoted to him. Matthew 22:39 says to love your neighbor as yourself, but if you don’t love yourself, how can you love others and love God? Our church taught me how to love the person God designed me to be, and the overflow of that love led me to love God and love others.
I began giving back and loving others, especially those that felt unloved. Do you love the person God designed you to be? If not, how can you love the unloved? If not, how can you understand and start to live out the concept of giving glory to God.
Just as Martin Luther and the reformers proclaimed this truth during the Reformation, we are called to recognize that every facet of our lives is an opportunity to magnify God’s glory. Our purpose, talents, and accomplishments all find their ultimate meaning in reflecting God’s greatness. As we navigate our daily routines, let us be intentional in our choices, dedicating even the simplest tasks to God’s glory.
Pastor James