Great quote from Malcolm Forbes, “One who never asks either knows everything or nothing.” It’s interesting to me that Jesus was asked a bunch of questions from a variety of people. “By what authority are you doing these things?” “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Who is my neighbor?”
But when asked in Matthew 22:37–39 “What is the most important thing that God tells us to do?” And He didn’t say, “Make a ton of money.” He didn’t say, “Become an entrepreneur.” He answered immediately. “Love God, love people.” That’s it. Nothing more central. Nothing more valuable.
We all have our own answers to that question. What we feel is the most important thing to do in life. But we’d be hard-pressed to miss the simplicity of “Loving God and loving people.” I don’t think a whole lot of things impressed Jesus. But the Scriptures are clear. What really impresses Him is relationships, developing relationships, and the love that we have for one another.
Sometimes doing the simple can be hard. Life can be discouraging and draining at times. Think about this: Just before Jesus gave the greatest sermon of all time (the Sermon on the Mount), Matthew records “Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him because the power went out of him and healed them all.” That’s what happens when you serve. You can get drained. “…power goes out of you.”
Ok, you and I aren’t Jesus, but you need to know that loving people is difficult sometimes. But remember these principles for today. 1) Difficult is not impossible. 2) If you feel “drained” in serving others, you’re in good company. Jesus did too. 3) Your love for others matters, keep it up. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.