Most Important

Someone asked Jesus what the most important commandment is. Jesus replied

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.

Possession Obsession

A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"'

But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?'

Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.

Part 2

Following on from last time...

If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!

It's our (selfish) human tendency to only want to do good when there is something in it for us. It's possible (but more of a challenge) to do good just because it's good.

A Challenge

But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

I count myself as someone willing to listen, but this can be a real challenge. It's clearly the best thing to do - but that doesn't make it easy.