by Michael E. Chidubem
The greatest commandment, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:37, is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This command leaves no room for half-hearted devotion. God is not looking for lukewarm love or divided loyalty; He desires and deserves our everything. Why? Because He gave us His everything—His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16).
When we choose to love God, it cannot be an afterthought or something that fits conveniently into our schedules. It must be the driving force of our lives. Exodus 20:3 is crystal clear: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Whether it’s career ambitions, relationships, or personal comforts, nothing should take precedence over God. When He is first, everything else falls into its rightful place.
Scripture teaches us that loving God means obeying Him fully. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is not optional; it is the tangible evidence of our love for God. This obedience includes not just the big, noticeable acts of faith but also the small, daily decisions to honour Him in every aspect of our lives.
Consider the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15. God gave Saul clear instructions to destroy the Amalekites completely, but Saul disobeyed, sparing the king and the best livestock. When confronted, Saul justified his actions, claiming he intended to sacrifice the livestock to God. Samuel’s response is piercing: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Partial obedience is still disobedience. God does not want our lip service or empty rituals; He wants our wholehearted commitment.
Loving God with all your heart means surrendering every part of your life to Him; your thoughts, desires, time, and actions. It’s saying “yes” to His will, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. It’s refusing to compartmentalize your faith but letting it permeate every decision, every relationship, and every priority.
God is either Lord of all or not Lord at all. He will not share His throne with idols, distractions, or half-hearted devotion. As Joshua challenged the Israelites, so must we challenge ourselves today: “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). It’s God or nothing. Let us love Him with undivided hearts, walking in full obedience to His Word, and reflecting His glory in all we do.
Have a blessed day ahead.
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