What if you obeyed this one simple instruction?

"For the commandments...are summed up in this word: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.'"
(Romans 13:9)

We have all heard some version of this verse before...but what if we really started to obey what it says?

What if I approached every person today and asked myself: "How can I best show them love right now--what would make me feel loved?"

And what if I asked this not only of the ones who I know will love me in return but especially of those who will not?  What if I purposely sought to show them love?

How might love change them?

How might loving like this change ME?

To love like this is not for the faint of heart--but if you'd like to try along with me to love others better I'd ask you to consider to start simple:  "Who in your life do you see regularly but rarely (if ever) really show them any love?  How can you do something simple this week to show them love?"

Instructions for ALL Christian Leaders

The passage below originally was penned as instructions to the King of Israel.  But they are not only fitting, but vital instructions to all who are called to lead others within the Body of Christ today.

If you lead others--read this over a few times and consider these words in your own context:

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (sections)

"...he (the King) must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests."

• The instruction he copied for himself was the law of the Lord handed down to Moses for the people.  (the Word of God!)  
• When is the last time you wrote out scripture for yourself?

"He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives..."

• read it daily as long as he lives...Do you daily seek the Living Word of God through reading Scripture?  Why should you?...read on...

"This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens."

• Remember that Christ said that we are to be "servants of all"!  This is how you are to lead!  
• Have you become proud in your position?  Take time to humble yourself before Jesus and remember he told us to serve just as He served us!

"It will prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way."

• Jesus said all these commands hang on the one command to LOVE.  So Paul in Romans 13 says if we love our neighbour we will do no wrong and therefore love is the fulfilling of the law!  
• But how do we love when someone wrongs us, or hurts us or simply seems unlovable?  By daily letting the word of God speak to us, and dwell in us!  As the Psalmist says -- it will be "a light to our path and a lamp to our feet" step by step.
• Have you excused "small things" in your life that you need to confess?  (Small things always grow to bigger problems if left untreated!)

How do you view "daily devotions"?  Do you see it as a duty you ought to fulfill, or do you see it as an opportunity to come and hear the voice of Jesus? (the Living Word)

If you lead others--it is vital that you lead out of what Jesus provides through His Word or else who are any of us to presume to lead another?

Next time you open your Bible -- Ask Jesus to speak to you personally through His Spirit; enjoy your time with Him!