“Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” -Matthew 22: 36-37
Pastor John Ortberg notes that in Matthew’s version of the above statement by Jesus, He makes a “profound emendation” (changing strength to mind) of the schema (Deuteronomy 6: 4-5), which every devout Israelite knew. When Christians love God with all their minds, learning can become an act of worship. Whenever we learn something that’s true, in actuality we’re thinking God’s thoughts after Him. Indeed, as the author observes, ignorance is a tool of the devil, but God is the author of truth.
Pastor Ortberg continues by emphasizing that to love God with all our minds “means following truth ruthlessly wherever it leads.” This is something we need not shy away from. Author Robert Wilkins states in his book The Christians as the Romans Saw Them that Christians sharpened their thinking by having to answer the difficult questions and objections of critics:
“They helped Christians find their authentic voices, and without them Christianity would be much the poorer.”
As we courageously seek God’s truth in our desert, transition time, we too will find our authentic voice and a renewed vision of God’s calling.
Today’s question: What truths of God have evidenced themselves in your healing journey? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Slaves to a crucified slave”
Note: New Short Meditation, “Perfect Peace”, to post on Tuesday
