Today I want to delve into what Jesus says is of foremost importance to those who follow Him,
Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:29-30
In this passage, Jesus refers to what I call the four pillars of identity. Put in different language, I suggest that Jesus is saying, “Love Me with your emotions, your spirit, your thoughts, and your physical being- all that makes you who you are.”
We are integrated beings. The pillars of heart, soul, mind, and strength combine to make you you. If we are to love the Lord our God the way Jesus asks us to, we need to involve all four aspects of our beings. What does that look like?
Love God well with your heart or your emotions:
- Allow Holy Spirit to work on your “heart issues.”
- Allow Jesus to set you free from past and/or present hurts as He replaces your ashes of sorrow with the garland of praise.
- Make room for Jesus to pour His oil of gladness over the loss of a job, a loved one, a friendship, etc.
- Take the “worship through it” approach during times of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, etc. as you take hold of the mantle of praise that Jesus offers.
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. Isaiah 61:3
Love God well with your soul or your spirit:
- Set aside time to spend with Him.
- Serve others in the Body of Christ as you minister Jesus’ love to those in need.
- Connect with other believers to worship, study, pray, etc.
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
Love God well with your mind:
- Make a habit of recognizing the lies of the enemy and self-limiting beliefs.
- Replace the enemy’s lies with God’s truth.
- Forgive yourself and others and recognize the unique, amazing creation you are.
- Partner with God as you plan your day, your work, your ministry, etc.
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5
Love God well with your strength—or your physical body.
- Make your physical health a priority in your life.
- Glorify God in your body by choosing foods and habits that bring health and healing.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
You are uniquely made. Your mind, heart, spirit, and body were created to love and worship the Lord as only you can.
You love God well through the power of the Holy Spirit and because of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Rest in God’s love and allow Him to show you how you can love Him completely from all four pillars of your being.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:22 NIV