The Great Commandment

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

My great-grandfather used the word “professor” to refer to one who professes something, not someone who teaches at a college or university.  It is, from the perspective of 2013, an antiquated use of the word.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

AUGUST 31, 2013 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT AIDAN OF LINDISFARNE, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP

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Matt. 22, 37-40

1.  The heart will love something.  It was made to love.  With many things the world would lure our hearts.  Man must be careful what he allows himself to love.

2.  God says [that] we must love Him.  He alone is worthy of our love.  He is a jealous God; He is much displeased if we love another instead of Him.

3.  [We] must love Him with all the heart.  [We] must have “a sovereign preference” for God–choose Him above everything else.  He will not accept a divided heart.  One must cut loose from sin.  An old oak [tree] on the creek bank washed down but id not float off because the log tap root still held to the bank.  Christianity appeals to all that is in us.

4.  With all thy soul–or life.  It must be given up to His service in all things.  Ready to suffer His will, rather than forfeit His approval.  A Godly life is a benediction to the world–God uses it.

5.  With all thy mind.  Studying to become more spiritually-minded and how best to foster the interests of our Lord.  Many professors break down here, and are worldly-minded, all spiritual thoughts gone.

 6.  And thy neighbor.  The common tie is Christ, the Golden Rule our law.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT