Yesterday, while sanding down walls at Laura's new house, I discovered some things about sanding drywall. Number one, if you're going to wear a respirator (which you should, I didn't at first and ended up having some green flecks in my snot when I blew my nose), make sure you brush your teeth first. After a few hours of filling that tiny mask with your breath, you'll appreciate good dental habits. And number two, electric sanders make very bizarre noises depending on the angle of their application and the acoustics of the rooms. And apparently, to me they sound like Arnold Schwarzenegger bellowing after he's been hit, punched, or hurt. (Watch movies like Conan The Barbarian, Running Man, and Predator for examples) Donovan didn't seem to get the reference, but that didn't stop me from mimicking the sound repeatedly during the day. If you see him, you may want to give him a hug for enduring it.
MARK 12:30 - NASB
When asked the greatest command, Jesus made a pretty clear statement. Our love for God needs to be foremost in our lives and to surpass of any love we've ever carried out before. Something that hit me recently about this statement is the usage of "and" to connect the multiple facets of the love. We are to love God with our heart AND soul AND mind AND strength, not OR. There are four parts, not a combination thereof. Not one, all. In looking at my life I can see how I don't always do all four at once. A lot of times I love with all my heart, but not with all my strength. Sometimes I love Him with all my soul, but not my mind.
To love with my heart is usually easy. I can cherish Him, but to love with all my strength means I have to back up that love with time, energy, and effort. And not just a mild effort, but ALL OF MY STRENGTH. I have to give Him everything I've got in me, to put in 100% with my physical love for Him. That means excuses like being tired, busy, upset, forgetful, etc, don't fly anymore. If David had loved God with just his heart, he would have stopped at being upset about Goliath's insulting of His God. Instead, though, David loved with all his strength and did something about that love in his heart. He took on a challenge with everything he had, putting his body and life on the line for God.
I also think about loving with my soul, which again seems easier than with all my mind. Loving with a deep desire for my God, loving spiritually, comes easier for me than to put all my mental power into solving situations, controlling my tongue and actions, and using it to encourage my brothers and sisters in a way that is pleasing to God. Far too often I use my mind for sinful deeds, or only give part of my mind to God, allowing loose lips, wicked thoughts, and hurtful actions to still happen.
What about you? Do you love God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind, and ALL your strength?
Brett "Half of you thought this week's title was clever, the rest of you thought I didn't know how to use the English language" Hibbler
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