Series: This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
Sermon: This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
Speaker: J. Murdock
Writer: J. Murdock
Kids Sections: Jessyka Albert
Refresh: Begin today in prayer. Ask God for understanding through the Holy Spirit and for God’s character to be revealed.
Read: Matthew 22:37 in The Message (MSG). As you again read through this brief exchange, pay special attention to the first great commandment and note 1-3 insights that deal with the heart, the mind, and the soul.
Reflect: The Mishnah Sanhedrin verse 4:5 reads, “Take a life; take them all. Save a life; save them all.” This same sentiment is found mirrored in the Qur’an, verse 5:32, which says, "Whosoever killeth a human being . . . it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whosoever saveth the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind . . .”
Human existence in its most basic form exists as a body, a mind, and a soul. If nothing else, we are given possession of these three forms for a time in which we are to use them freely. In Matthew 22, Jesus states that every part of these forms should be used to love God. Not some. Not most. All.
Jesus. All.
God wants your life, but gives it to you freely to do with as you will. His will would be for you to give it to Him so that He can direct your to a love which surpasses all earthly expectations. But when darkness sets over our lives, we lose sight of this will, this love, this expectation, and think that we have to walk ourselves out of it. Some go so far as to decide that this life just isn’t worth living anymore. And they return the heart, the mind, and the soul with life still left in them. Believing that they cannot escape from the pain that plagues their life, the only way out is through death.
There are many items which have multiple uses, but the mind, the heart, and the soul are not on that list. These are meant to serve God. These are meant to be full of love. These are meant to be guided by Light. They are not intended to hold a bit of light and a little darkness. They are not equipped to store some hope and bit of fear. They were not designed to be separate from the other hearts, minds, and souls in the people around us. They are all meant, at all times, in all ways, to be joined all together in one mission.
Jesus wants to fill all of your heart, all of your mind, and all of your soul with love. To do so, you must first be willing to love God enough to give them all to Him. This is the greatest commandment.
Recalibrate: What will it take for you to turn your whole heart, your whole mind, and your whole soul over to the One who seeks to fill them with love beyond measure?
Respond: Pray for God to reveal to you the love He has in store for you, and that He will come into your life in a new and meaningful way today.
Research: How might you position yourself to see hopelessness in others and better assist them today?
Live Wonder (ages 0–3)
What would it look like to turn your child over completely to God? Tell them how important they are to you, and how God loves them more than you ever could. Pray with your child or children, asking God to make it possible for you to hand your family over to Him.
Live Adventure (ages 4–11)
Try out a “popcorn prayer” with your child, taking turns praying over things in your life you can hand over to God. This includes any stresses, worries, or sadness—or even the good things. See how many things you can turn over to God in this prayer!
Live Purpose (ages 12–16)
What is the one thing that is most difficult for you to let go of and hand over to God? Why do you think you can’t let go of that control?