“Go into all the world…”
I do not have many “absolutes” in my personal belief in God, in which I feel I need to prove I am right. I won’t argue with you about what Bible version you read. I won’t argue with you about which day of the week you attend church. I won’t even argue about creation vs evolution. (Oh, I heard some sharp breathing!)
These two passages from Jesus are absolutely the words which guide the rest of my personal understanding of my relationship with God:
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)and
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28: 18-20 (NIV)
I share with people my questions & conversations I have had with my Lord. I admit that I have learned over the last 30 years the wisdom of listening & reading Scripture & talking less. I have also learned to ask God to discern to whom I should listen. I have learned to read the Bible with prayer & listen to those who are balanced in what they know & what they are still seeking, listening & asking questions about. Maybe they are also willing to say that our understanding may never be complete this side of Heaven!
I believe that it is God’s desire that I come to Him every day to read, listen. & learn. When I do not, I find daily burdens become heavier & joys are overlooked.
And when I do spend time with my Father, my Savior, the Spirit who covers me with grace & mercy, it feels like I am storing up joy that heals, lifts me & overflows on those who often come across my path who may also be blessed to hear what has encouraged me!
“Go into all the world,” Jesus says. “Go & teach others what I have taught you. I will never leave you without comfort or wisdom. And I be with you, not just today but every moment of every day!” [paraphrase of Matthew 28: 19-20]
