I really love simple truths, the kinds of things that are easy to remember and that will stick with me long-term. For the same reason, I love seeing God’s heart for the Ten Commandments and all the Old Testament laws summarized in only four words: Love God, Love others. I recently read something in my study bible that said, “Let these two commandments rule over your thoughts, decisions, and actions.” Honestly, I don’t think I had ever thought about letting the commandments rule over me. Some synonyms for “rule” I found are: govern, lead, direct, order. Do I let loving God govern the way that I go throughout my day and interact with others? Does God’s call to love others lead and direct how I use my time and energy? Is my life ordered in a way that puts loving God and loving others as top priorities? What a humbling conviction to see the Great Commandment as an authority to rule over our whole lives.
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “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