God’s One Requirement

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Date: March 17, 2023

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:36-37

 

Our world has never been busier, demanding constant multi-tasking as we manage sky-high expectations. It’s hard to limit ourselves to doing just one thing.

 

Who doesn’t feel the constant pull of many demands and obligations? Jesus tells us that we are made to be wholehearted, focused on one thing that will empower all else. It’s the secret to loving others and to living a life that’s successful in the eyes of God.

 

What’s this secret? It’s loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind!

 

There’s a story in the Bible that many of us can relate to. Mary and Martha were sisters and Martha invited Jesus to have dinner at their house. Undoubtedly, having the most popular teacher and all his disciples in your house meant lots of work!

 

The Bible says Martha was distracted by all the work and, probably stressed out. Seeing her younger sister sitting at Jesus’s feet listening to Him, a frustrated Martha says “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But [Jesus] said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:40-42).

 

Isn’t it easy, though, to relate to Martha? There’s always more to do but Jesus wants our attention on Him. He wants us to be so captivated by His voice, so full of love for Him, that we purposely and regularly stop our business to listen and worship. It’s the one thing worth being concerned about.