Our media-driven and comparison-crazy world wants us to chase everything. Have everything. Be everything. We all hear and see the pounding pitch every day on screens that seem to show up everywhere, even in our own pocket or purse.
These pitches serenade our soul in search of a crack of vulnerability that would have us succumb to the lie that we should—no, must—have everything.
With that beckoning backdrop, it is hardly a surprise that Christians can want to have an “EVERYTHING FAITH.”
You know, a faith that showcases mastery of their “everything list” for everyone to see. From memorizing the Bible to serving people in need. Tithing to fellowship. Self-control to self-sacrifice. You know…everything.
Of course everything on the everything list is good. Most of commanded by the Lord of Heaven and earth. But there is one word on the list of everything that rises far above the rest. A word that tops the list. A word and act that is often overlooked or omitted in favor of making sure the everything goal is reached.
That word is LOVE.
The road to everything starts and ends with love. Love for God. Love for others.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is to love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
Maybe you have met someone who is crafting an “everything faith” but seems to live with love conspicuously absent. I have. If you have, too, that’s God reminding us to run from any thought of being an everything Christian.
I ask God to help me to always start with love, stay with love, and end everything with love on my faith journey. And I pray for assistance along the way for him to guide me toward developing an ever-deeper and intimate relationship with him.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Do you have an everything list?
“I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned—but if I have no love, this does me no good.” 1 Corinthians 13:3
