Loving the Lord Supremely

by Tiffany S.
​from Virtuous Daughters, April 2009~Volume 9, Number 1

Dear Sisters,
…Some time ago, someone at church challenged me to look back on each week and see what the Lord had taught me during that short time period. At first, this sounded difficult. I thought I do better to look over months or years to find spiritual lessons; but as I examined my life by the week, I found that the Lord had taught me several “small” things that should produce change in my walk with Him. Many times that lesson was a verse or two that spoke to me about a situation I was currently dealing with. 

One Scripture that the Lord is still impressing on my heart is Deuteronomy 6:5 “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” This verse should not be taken lightly—Jesus said it is the first and great commandment (Matthew 22:37–38). 
     
God’s love for us is beyond my comprehension. “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8 Isn’t it wonderful that He loves us so much and desires us to have a relationship with Him? One way we build upon that relationship with Christ is by loving Him with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Just how do we do this? Here are a few thoughts that I have had:


Heart--Have you asked Jesus into your heart? As Christians, we have a responsibility to give our hearts to Christ and love Him with all of it. To me, this means making Him my first love, giving Him my best, guarding my thoughts (Psalm 19:14), and desiring to please Him alone. It also means not giving any part of my heart to worldliness or anything that does not please my King, Who reigns on the throne there. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”—Matthew 5:8


Soul--Since our souls will last eternally, it is of great importance that they love the Lord God. Are our spiritual eyes open to the truths of His Word? Do we strive to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering (Philippians 3:10)? The “education” of our soul should be extensive, rooted in the Holy Bible! Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” 


Mind--My parents have taught me to carefully guard what goes into my mind by shunning inappropriate pictures, words, activities, and attitudes. God wants us to love Him with all of our minds—we should fill that mind with things that are pleasing and honoring to Him! “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”—Philippians 4:8


Might--Our very breath is a constant reminder of God’s love for us. We should love Him back with all of our strength by glorifying Him with every activity that we participate in. Whether it’s playing outside, doing housework, using the computer, reading a book, talking on the phone, playing an instrument, writing, or sewing, we are commanded to love and honor Christ through that. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”—Colossians 3:23


Isn’t it interesting that God tells us to love Him with all of each of these things? I think that is a definite indication that He desires first place in every aspect of our lives. One way we accomplish this is by giving the Lord the first part of each day by spending time with Him in the Word and in prayer. 


Dear sisters, as you endeavor to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, may you be filled with the joy of the Lord and find the true peace and fulfillment that comes from living for an audience of One!


Growing with You,
Tiffany
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