“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Many people who view Christianity from the outside see it as a religion of rule-keeping. But actually, this is quite far from the truth. Christianity is first and foremost a relationship. It is centered entirely upon a relationship with God that closely effects our relationships with one another. All the other teachings of the Bible flow from this.
In the Old Testament, we are told, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) In the New Testament, when Jesus was asked about which commandment was the greatest, he very clearly teaches, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
The truth is, all the rule-following in the world will never be pleasing to God, because God looks at the heart. He desires for us to have a pure love for Him and for our neighbor. All the other teachings of the New Testament, and even the rules of the Old Testament, are simply guiding us in how we can love best.
Lord, give us each a pure desire to not simply follow rules, but to show love to You and to one another. Let all our decisions and our desire to know Your Word all center on this one truth.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon <><