Loving God With All Our Strength: Let Go Of The Last Thing

Today, let’s take a look at The “Greatest Commandment.”

Read about it here: Mark 12:28-31

It can also be found in Matthew 22:34-40 and Luke 10:25-27.

(Jesus was quoting parts of the law from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.)

And now, let’s look at another time someone asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life:

Read about it here in the story of the rich young ruler: Mark 10:17-22 (also found in Matthew 19:16-22 and John 18:18-23).

Here are a couple truths to help us understand:

• “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

• “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

• “You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24

Let’s consider: Do you really believe that there is treasure in heaven sufficient to make up for all you can give up for Christ? Are you willing to love God by giving what makes you strong? Can you give what makes you strong now… in expectation of a future crown later?

Eternal life is gained in the giving.

Pay attention to the tension. Ask: What is your “everything?” What owns you? What do you want to use God to obtain? Consider letting it go.

Imagine the gift of knowing God now, the treasure ahead and the great freedom that you would feel not being owned by anything.

Let go of the last thing.

Here are three questions to ask yourself, your family and your small group:

1. Where is your strength? What makes you strong?
2. How would Jesus answer you if you asked Him what you must do to inherit eternal life?
3. What would your life look like if you did that? What would our church look like if we all did that?