This is it! Today’s message is key, and Moses even gives a solution for how you can remember. If we do everything else wrong in a day, this is the one thing that should be of utmost importance. The Lord is our God, “and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”
These may be familiar words to you because they are also restated by Jesus several times in the New Testament. This was Jesus’ answer when asked what the most important commandment was. Of all the laws given by God, this is “main thing” we must do as believers. We must LOVE our God with all that we are. Period. We must commit to this “wholeheartedly.”
If you are ever at a loss for what you should be doing in life, remember what the main thing is and do a better job of it. If you are sitting around bored, tired of watching TV or reading a book, think of ways you can love God more, show God your love, or be a better witness to God’s love in the world.
Moses tells us this is a message we should not keep to ourselves. He encourages the people to repeat these words “again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” I remember tucking the kids into bed each night. They would say their prayers. We would sing “Jesus Loves Me.” It was a simple way to keep our faith alive, out in the open, in our hearts. Giving your children the legacy of faith is the best gift you can give them. It continues to be my prayer that my children seek God and live their lives focused on the “main thing.”
Life can get busy. Sometimes the main thing is crowded out with other thoughts, tasks, or distractions. How can we stay focused on the “main thing” when there is so much noise and chaos enticing us? Moses suggests we “tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Have you ever tied a string around your finger to remember something? Then perhaps hours or days later you have forgotten what the string was for?
We shouldn’t forget the “main thing.” Do what you need to keep this in mind at all times. I like to have Bible verse pictures on the wall, having my Bible close by at all times, praying before every meal, and often throughout the day, listening to praise music while I’m working. When things are stressful and uncertainty begins to cripple you, clinging to the main thing is even more important. God is the ONLY sure thing. God will never let us down. God is always watching and carrying us when we need his strength.
Let’s pray … Lord, forgive my wayward heart and help me stay focused on the main thing. I do love you with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. I want to follow you and be your light in this dark world. Use me to help others see how much you love them and how you are fighting for us every moment. I want to keep my eyes on you amidst the chaos of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
