What Matter Most

By Rick Warren (Pastors.com)

Because God is love, the most important lessons He wants you to learn on earth is how to love. It is in loving that we are most like Him, so love is the foundation of every command He has given us: "The whole Law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself.'"

These words take on even greater significance for those in spiritual leadership. The level of love within your church reveals the spiritual health of the fellowship. Paul makes this point: "No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love." Jesus said our love for each other - not our doctrinal beliefs - is our greatest witness to the world. He said, "Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

1. Life without love is really worthless

Often we act as if relationships are something to be squeezed into our schedule. We talk about finding time for our children or making time for people in our lives. That gives the impression that relationships are just a part of our lives along with many other tasks. But God says relationships are what life is all about.

Jesus summarized what matters most to God in two statements: Love God and love people. He said, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart. ...This is the first and the greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbour as yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." After learning to love God (worship), learning to love others is the second purpose of your life.

Busyness is a great enemy of relationships. People become preoccupied with making a living, working, paying bills, and accomplishing goals as if these tasks are the point of life. They are not. The point of life is learning to love - God and people. Life minus love equals zero.

....to be continued. Part 2...Love will last forever...