A teacher of the Law, who saw Jesus easily answer tough questions by Pharisees and Sadducees decided to ask him a question: What was the most important of the 613 commands in the Scriptures? Could Jesus bring everything in the Law and the Prophets under one tent?
Jesus explained that love for both God and people, not one of the other, was the attitude and lifestyle that pleased God above all.
What motivates you to give limited time and energy to lead God's people, even though ministry often involves sacrifice, problems, and unpredictable results?
The Lord's two great commands show that what should drive everything in our life is the engine of love, which includes our work for the Lord. Since love is God's overarching command, if we try to minister from some other motive — from guilt, for example, or ego — we will probably sputter out.
Jesus calls us to love God in a way that sweeps up every dimension of our being - heart, soul, mind, strength. Nothing is left out. Every facet of who we are is called forth to love the One who is love itself. Not only is our every part to be engaged in the love of God, but every part is to be wholly engaged. Serving the Lord is the inevitable overflow of such all-consuming delight in God, and motivation the natural byproduct.
Love for people is likewise an indomitable motivation. All around us we see people who, without Christ, will die in their sins; we cannot live merely for our own convenience. We see people hurting, hungry, and with hearts of concern we long to help.
Most motivation problems are love problems. If we feel out of gas, we should ask ourselves whether we are out of love for God and people — as hard as that is to admit!
Scientists are trying to engineer a fusion engine, for it would use a nearly limitless fuel: hydrogen and oxygen (water!). God has already designed a fusion engine for the leader's soul, and its fuel is the Christian's most readily available resource: love.
— Craig Brian Larson |
