³⁴ Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. ³⁵ One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Dear God, I guess the Pharisees weren’t impressed with the chief priests and Sadducees, and their line of questions, so they decided to their hats into the ring. But beyond the testing that was going on here, I’d like to actually look at the answer Jesus gave.

What does it look like to love you with ALL of my heart, ALL of my soul, and ALL of my mind? Frankly, I don’t see a way I can sustain that. Of course, you know I can’t sustain that, and that is why you sent me a redeemer. If I could sustain it, even for a moment, then what kinds of radical changes would happen in my life? What could you do with me if I actually devoted my whole heart, soul, and mind to you? I can’t even fathom it. I’m not even sure I can love my neighbor as myself, but that is at least a little more attainable than loving you the way I should.

Father, I offer you all that I am for all that you are. It’s not much, and it’s a terrible exchange from your perspective, but you are the one who made the offer. Now I am here (as I have been for the last 33 years, since I accepted you as my savior and Lord) to take you up on that deal once again. You can touch others through me. You can reside in me and bring me peace. Take me, break me, mold me, fill me, and use me.