When one of the religious scribes asked Jesus which
commandment is most important, He answered: “The most important is, ‘Hear, O
Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all
your strength”
(Mark
12:28–30)
When
you line up Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength the last one; Strength seems to be
the one that is the easiest to really wrap your brain around or hold onto. It’s
a bit more tangible than Mind or Soul. The original Hebrew word for Strength is
Toqeph which originates from the word Taqeph meaning Might or Authority. It can
also mean power, strength or energy. The word translated “might/strength” in
Deuteronomy 6:5 usually functions as the adverb “very” in the Old Testament. So
think about it this way, loving your God with all of your “veryness”. Sort of
your “everything”.
The
Greek version of this word is Dunamis which again can mean Power or Might but
can also translate through various forms of the noun to: Force or Virtue,
Potency, Fastness, Durability or Vigor. Ultimately we’re looking at physical
power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy, meaning or even powerful deeds,
even marvelous works.
Funny
Story: My wife’s grandmother past way in her early 90s. A number of years ago
she was staying at my wife’s parents house and attended a get together for some
women with my wife’s mother. During the event one young woman said to her “you
look amazing what do you do to say in such great shape?”. Now, you have to
understand first that my wife’s grandmother of German descent was a very
independent, smart and witty woman who never pulled her punches and told things
as is. So, she looked at the woman and said “Move
your Ass”. Hilarious right? I only had the pleasure of meeting her one
time before she passed and I will never forget the conversation we had when she
told me that story. It has stuck with me to this day and I don’t believe I will
ever forget it. I won’t forget it because it’s a huge nugget of truth that
should ring out all over the world and especially here in the United States.
Seriously, move your ass.
Woody
Allen once said that 90% of life is showing up. I’m not a big fan of Woody
Allen but he’s right just like my wife’s grandmother. Show up, move your ass. The
Lord has given you a body, a brain, muscles, bones, blood vessels, a heart,
lungs, hands and feet. When he created the human race he put us at the top of
the food chain and we became living creatures that could rule, subdue and have
dominion over all the earth (Genesis 1:28) and yet on a day to day we can
barely get to work on time. Look, you can read about and think about character,
leadership, making decisions and living with intention (Heart and Mind) but if
you can’t execute it means absolutely nothing. Really, James wasn’t kidding
around when he said in his book “Faith without works is Dead” (James 2:14-26).
If you’re going to live for God and Love God then you have to do it with vigor.
You have to make the commitment and then get to it. We should be giving
everything we’ve got in our tank. This is where the rubber meets the road in
our spiritual life. It’s not just about who you are but what you have at your
disposal. What you bring to the table (your family, your job, your kids, your
house, apartment, dorm room clothes, tools, computers, etc...) or what you’re
showing up with.
SO, are you showing up?
Paul
in his letter to the Romans said “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and
sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” In what ways are
you giving your whole self to The Lord.”
There
is a second and very tangible approach to this Strength that can not be
forgotten either. God created our bodies and not only said that they are good
but talked about us as created in his image....“God’s image.” Is that hitting
you? YOU are created in HIS image. Your body is considered a temple (1
Corinthians 3:16) you should be taking care of it so that you can execute on
the Heart, Mind and Soul. The Bottom line is this: Being a follower of Jesus
means that you can not be passive. Following the King is an active engagement
with GOD every single day. BRING IT!
It’s
odd, as I was researching this I really did not find a lot of lists or
practical steps for living for and loving God with all of your strength. So here are
some of mine that I put together. Remember my relationship with The Lord is
not your relationship. You’re not like me and I’m not like you so The Lord may
work this out in you differently than he has in my life.
What I
do:
- I work out almost every day with a group called Seal Team Physical Fitness Team or STPT here in Richmond, VA (www.sealteampt.com). The owner is John McGuire a former 10 year veteran Navy Seal and Sniper. I can’t even begin to tell you how challenging our workouts are. If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video or documentary of the Navy Seal BUDs program then you’ll get the idea. I don't think I've ever felt better and/or mentally "fit". It has prepared me to handle major changes and obstacles in my life over the past year and a half. This not a yell and scream at you or call you names kind of boot camp either. It's positive engagement, teamwork, having fun and staying fit so that you can live your life. If I’m not working out with them then I’m generally out for a trail run. I’m no longer a fan of the gym but that’s just me. You don't sunrises at the Gym.
- I encourage you to start taking care of your body. If you’re over weight you need lose the weight. If you're just out of shape then take the steps to get in to shape. Life is meant to lived and you can’t live it if you’re not treating your body right.
- No Fear: A little ambiguous I know but I am trying daily to live without fear. Taking risks. I just signed up to be a part of my churches Track Club ministry and I working with kids who can barely speak English. It’s a challenge. Take a risk, step outside of your comfort zone.
- Creativity: Again, kinda ambiguous I know but it’s a part of my “veryness”. I’m an artist. I like to paint, write music. But I also like thinking big and part of starting Insight 360 was a part of that big thinking. I’m also painting more lately…God loves it when I am using my gifts.
- I’m also taking a risk relationally with a family member that I’ve had a very difficult relationship with over the past number of years. It’s hard but doing the hard stuff is how you build confidence but also how you see the work of Christ in your life.
Most
importantly I’m striving: Yeah, striving. I’m not perfect and I won’t do any of
this perfectly and I have bad days just like everyone else but that does not
mean I quit or just give up. In 1st Peter the apostle tells his
readers when outlining the virtues that they are to “apply all diligence, in
your faith” and in 2 Peter 3:14-18 in Peters final exhortation he says “Therefore,
beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without
spot or blemish, and at peace.” We have to work at this. God is for us who can
be against us.
Be
strong in the Lord. Have Faith, Live Free and Live Fearlessly.
Gordon
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