Love God, Love People: Rediscovering Our True Purpose

In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, it's easy to lose sight of why we're here. We often find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of success, wealth, or personal fulfillment, forgetting the fundamental reason for our existence. But what if our purpose was simpler and more profound than we've imagined?

At its core, our purpose can be distilled into two interconnected commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This isn't a new concept – it's rooted in ancient wisdom that has stood the test of time.
Jesus himself, when asked about the greatest commandment, didn't hesitate to emphasize these two principles. He quoted the Shema from Deuteronomy 6, affirming that loving God wholeheartedly is the first and greatest commandment. But He didn't stop there. He immediately followed it with the command to love our neighbors, drawing from Leviticus 19.

These two commandments, Jesus said, encompass all the law and the prophets.
But what does it mean to love God and love people in practical terms?
Loving God means choosing Him for an intimate relationship and obeying His commands. It's about putting Him first in our lives, above all else. This concept might seem straightforward, but in practice, it challenges us to examine our priorities and allegiances.

Consider the Ten Commandments. While some may argue that they're no longer relevant in our modern age of grace, a closer look reveals their enduring importance. When we ask ourselves questions like, "At what point is God okay with us cursing His name, having other gods before Him, or stealing from others?" we realize that these commandments still serve as a guide for how we should love God and treat others.

The commandments weren't meant to save us – they were designed to show us how to love God and people, and to help us understand our need for a Savior. They remind us that our God doesn't change; He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Loving people, the second part of our purpose, flows naturally from our love for God. We're called to honor our parents, refrain from murder, adultery, and theft, speak truthfully, and avoid coveting what others have. These principles form the foundation of how we interact with and care for those around us.

It's crucial to understand that loving God and loving people are inextricably linked. We cannot truly love God without loving the people He created and died for. Conversely, we cannot genuinely love others without first loving the One who gave His life for them. This love isn't passive – it's active, reaching out even to those we might consider unlovable.
In our human nature, we often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, measuring our righteousness against those around us. We might think we're doing pretty well when we look at certain individuals or groups. However, this self-righteous attitude misses the point entirely.

The apostle Paul warned against this mindset in his letter to the Corinthians, stating that those who measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves among themselves are unwise. The truth is, when we compare ourselves to God's perfect standard, we all fall short. Even the best among us are infinitely far from God's holiness.
This realization should humble us and remind us of our dependence on God's grace. It's only through His love and power that we can fulfill our purpose of loving Him and others. As Scripture tells us, we love because He first loved us, and His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.

So why is it important to regularly remind ourselves of this seemingly simple purpose? Because it's all too easy to get distracted. We can become consumed by love for ourselves, our possessions, our traditions, or our achievements. While there's nothing inherently wrong with appreciating these things, they must be kept in proper perspective.
Our primary focus should always be on loving God and loving people. This truth needs constant reinforcement because the world around us constantly pulls us in different directions.

As we reflect on our purpose, we might wonder how exactly we're supposed to live it out. What does loving God and loving people look like in our daily lives? These are important questions that deserve thoughtful consideration and practical application.
The journey of discovering and living out our purpose is ongoing. It requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to align our lives with God's will. It challenges us to examine our priorities, our relationships, and our actions in light of these two great commandments.
Are we putting God first in our lives, or are we allowing other things to take His place? Are we actively seeking to love and serve those around us, even when it's difficult or inconvenient? Are we measuring ourselves against God's standard of love, or are we content with comparing ourselves to others?

These are the questions we must grapple with as we seek to fulfill our purpose. It's not always easy, but it's infinitely rewarding. When we orient our lives around loving God and loving people, we find a sense of fulfillment and meaning that nothing else can provide.
As we go about our daily lives, let's keep this purpose at the forefront of our minds. Let's challenge ourselves to grow in our love for God and for others. Let's be mindful of the distractions that can pull us away from this focus, and let's encourage one another to stay true to our calling.

Remember, our purpose isn't about achieving greatness in the world's eyes or accumulating wealth and success. It's about loving the One who created us and extending that love to those around us. In doing so, we not only fulfill our purpose but also experience the joy and peace that come from living in harmony with our Creator's design.
May we all strive to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In this, we will find the true meaning and purpose of our lives.