February 25, 2010, Mark 12

Key Verse

"The most important commandment is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

(Mark 12:29-31)

Central Truth

God doesn't call for just a portion of you....He want's all of you.


MY EVERYTHING

OK...time to be the BUTTHEAD! I read this scripture, and I can't help but wonder if Piedmont is becoming a community of believers who believe this very thing. Here are a few things to ponder:

Are you truly offering God everything you have?
Do you hurt daily for those who are lost?
Are you volunteering on a regular basis?
If you are already volunteering, are you giving it everything you have...even when things are not going well?
Do you hurt for those who are hungry?
Are you compelled to help those in need?
Do you love your neighbor as you love yourself (think long and hard about that one)?
Are you willing to do what ever it takes to see others come to know the Lord?
Are you inviting and investing in others?
Are you willing to follow those God has placed in leadership?
Are you willing to lead?

We are fortunate at Piedmont to have a strong few who can answer most of these questions positively. Unfortunately, Piedmont (and many other churches) have too many who cannot. Paul sums up this commandment presented by God when he said "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice to God . . . ." And you know, it's not like it's something that's negotiable. I mean, Christ didn't say..."It would be in your best interest if . . ." or "Here is something to think about . . ." NO, He said this is the GREATEST COMMANDMENT. In other words, this is not up for discussion. This is final. If you chose to follow me, these are the requirements. Love me with EVERYTHING you have, and then love others just as you love yourself.

Are you giving God everything you have? Are you confident that you can meet Christ face to face and be certain that you have no regrets concerning this issue? I pray that you do. I pray that we all do?