Thursday, September 26, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

The Gist of it All

Matthew 7:12 Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Have you ever been part of a group photo and then, upon viewing that photo, you looked for yourself first?

We've probably all been guilty of spotting ourselves first in a photo, but that is not the problem. The problem is when we disregard it as a HORRIBLE photo because we blinked or had a crooked smile...EVEN if everyone else looked perfect!

Often, we judge the big picture in life solely off of our own emotions, feelings and values. Today's verse encourages us to treat others as we would desire to be treated. This scripture goes on to say that this commandment is the ESSENCE of the ENTIRE law!

There are times when my husband is telling a story to me, and I unfortunately cannot give him my full attention (or vice versa...this happens often with a toddler in the home). In these instances, we ask the other to tell the "gist" of the story and to share the details when we have time alone.

There is MUCH to be said in the details. The Bible is full of details that will completely transform your life. However, we have to first get the "gist" of it and build our lives off of the very essence of His Word and message.

When asked which is the MOST important commandment of the law (and there were hundreds of them), Jesus replied to His disciples in Matthew 22:37-39 that "you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind."

He called this the "first and greatest commandment," and then He reiterated today's verse by saying that "a second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

EVERYTHING in God's Word is based on the love you have for God and your neighbors.

I challenge you today to evaluate your relationship with God and your relationships with all those you encounter. Do you truly love God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, and ALL your mind? Do you treat your family, friends, and even strangers JUST as you would desire to be treated? EVERYTHING else in life hinges on those two answers.

Dear Lord, Help me to always show the love to my neighbors that I so desperately desire to be shown in my life. Lead me and direct me to be the blessing in the lives of others that You have called me to be.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Please note that this week is the last week for the early bird Anchored Conference registration.