Central Truth

God clearly tells me the most important thing I can do is to love Him with all I have and make Him a priority above all else. His will for me is to seek to know Him and serve Him. Christ's love for me allows me to obey His ways.

Reflections

Many times, sin in my life (selfishness, worry, laziness, etc.) and the lies of the world (comfort, escape, perfectionism, and material things) satisfy and interfere with me following God's greatest command. It's a daily spiritual battle to make His Kingdom my primary concern even though He promises to give me all I need from day to day (Luke 12:31). The good news is He has given me exactly what I need for this battle through the grace of Jesus Christ, His Word, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and His people.

Daily, I have to admit I can't do it on my own and that God has the power to help me if I am willing to let Him. Taking these steps allows me to surrender my ways and acknowledge that God has the power, and I don't. Humbling myself helps me trust that He wants what is best for me, He cares what happens to me, and life is found in obeying Him. (1 Peter 5:6-7) He calls me to examine what I am loving or putting before Him. I can make my appearance, approval of others, or even entertainment an idol. When I confess the sin in my heart to others and replace it with God's truth, there is great freedom and peace. (Acts 3:19-20) To love the Lord means spending time with Him in His Word and prayer. When I'm not content, He wants me to praise Him and accept His great love for me. This transforms my negative mind and allows me to have joy in the Lord in all circumstances.

Lastly, God tells me to understand my calling to serve others. It's His power and strength that allows me to help others, and the awesome thing is He has prepared these good works ahead of time (Ephesians 2:10). Praise God that Jesus died for me and that He came for the sinners, not those who think they are already good enough (Matthew 9:13). Loving Him with all my soul means letting go of my way and doing all things for His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)!

Discussion Questions

1. What sin in my life do I need to confess to other believers and God to let them know the state of my heart and mind?

2. What interferes with me loving God with all my heart, soul, and mind?

3. What can I do to make spending time with God in His Word and prayer a priority?

4. How can I make myself available to serve God's kingdom and give Him glory?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 

1. What are some rules in your classroom and at home?

2. What did Jesus say is the greatest “rule”?

3. How are you doing at following Jesus’ #1 rule? What is one way today that you can obey His #1 rule?