"Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, With all your soul, and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
I didn't have to choose this verse-it chose me! It's a verse many of us have already memorized, but one worth retaining for a lifetime, and one that speaks volumes.
You may know that Deuteronomy is most known for giving us the Ten Commandments, and this particular verse comes as a summation of all those commandments-
If we truly love God with all that is in us, we will have no problem following those TEN, right? It sounds good, but if we're honest, the reality is...
- we easily allow our time to fill up with everything but God. [NO OTHER GODS]
- there is no question that the majority of believers today "tip" rather than tithe. [NO IDOLS]
- we call ourselves Christians but live how we want-with God as a hashtag#[DON'T MISUSE GOD'S NAME]
- seven days fly by and we give God an hour-long appointment. [SABBATH REST]
- we neglect those we love the most. [HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER]
- there is devaluation of life in many forms, hatred rather than brokenness. [DO NOT MURDER]
- we have unfaithfulness in our heart and mind. [ADULTERY]
- we are selfish rather than selfless. How much have we taken from others by refusing to give? [DO NOT STEAL]
- we criticize, gossip, or use our words to tear down rather than build up. [FALSE WITNESS]
- life becomes a rat race to "get ahead", and our desires line up more closely to the world's rather than God's. [DO NOT COVET]
Wow. Convicting, huh? Sorry to be so blunt, but we can so easily exempt ourselves if we're not careful, thinking that we pretty much "have it all together".
Continue reading on page 2
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Vickie's Husband is Doug Munton, Pastor of First Baptist Church, O'Fallon, Illinois. They have served faithfully FBC O'Fallon since 1995. Vickie writes of herself: "I am a stay-at-home pastor's wife whose children are grown: Three of them married and one headed to college. I am Nana to THREE beautiful grandchildren! I am passionate about my faith and my family. I am praying for direction as my life goes through this season of change. God has blessed me with an incredible husband (30 + years!) who has been my best friend since high school."
