8/3/10 Mark 12:28-34 The Main thing

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Thoughts: Having one focus, one goal is so important in life.  When I was a boy at my uncle's house in Maine, I played around with a row boat in the bay.  I got too far out in the bay, and I was not going straight. It was a simple thing- but when I finally figured out to focus on one object while I pulled both oars, I would go straight and not waste my strength.  The main focus of the Christian faith is love of God.  Martin Luther used to say, "Love God and do what you will."  In our very very busy world- hardly slowed by the terrible recession- it is still important to know that "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."  We do not need to let the idols of this world- beauty, fame, athletic ability, money, acceptance by others, feelings become the main thing.

Prayer: Help me, Lord to grow in love for you and to focus on love for you.