At the end of our earthly lives, many things will have mattered. Events, experiences, blessings, challenges, careers, goals dreamed, goals fulfilled (or not), possessions, and places will all take their place of significance among many other aspects of our time in the world. However, none will compare with that which matters most, namely, relationship with God and with people.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself" (Luke 10:27).
The two great commands, repeated in both Old Testament and New, illuminate our path with the realization that our Lord made us for relationship with Himself and with the people He brings into our lives. Through the Lord Jesus Christ, He makes possible our growing awareness, understanding, and practical experience of this great Truth of all truths. Those who believe receive the indwelling Holy Spirit as the Life of our lives. Thereby God makes possible fellowship with Himself and with others to serve as the realized purpose of our existence.
"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by which Holy Spirit which is given unto us" (Romans 5:5).
"God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba Father" (Galatians 4:6).
"Walk in love" (Ephesians 5:2).
We live our lives one day at a time. More literally, we live this day at a time. The past is gone. The future (in this realm) is not guaranteed. Thus, we have one opportunity to realize, to respond, and to live in the gift, the glory, the privilege, and the responsibility of that which matters most. We have this day to know the love of God in living and personal reality. We have this day to love Him in holy response, and to love others as the fruit of our fellowship with our Lord. Many other matters will demand our attention, many of which must be addressed. As this only day we have begins, however, we do well to commit our hearts to that which matters most.
"Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us and redeeming us to relationship with Yourself through the Lord Jesus. Thank You for making us with the capacity for knowing and responding to Your love by faith. Your Word declares that such love is lavishly poured out into our hearts by the presence of the Holy Spirit, making possible our love for You and for others. We believe that this is what matters most, Father, and we come to You in this day, the only day we have, to live in the wonder of being loved by You, and then to love You and others in holy response and devotion. We will need Your guidance and enabling, and You promise to abundantly provide. Thus, we kneel before You as this day begins to ask that amid the busyness of our lives, You keep us aware of that which matters most. You matter most, Father. People matter most. Love matters most. Thank You for the wondrous gift and privilege of a life lived in the light of such glory, of this day lived therein. Send us forth in Your love, for the glory of the Christ who so loved us, and for the blessing of Your heart and the hearts of people. In the name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen."
"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God."
(II Thessalonians 3:5)
"Keep yourselves in the love of God."
(Jude 1:21)
Weekly Memory Verse
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be. But we know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
(I John 3:2)
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