The Whole Duty Of Man

Ecclesiastes 12:13b  “Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

       Jesus Christ summed up the Ten Commandments, the Law of God given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, into two great commandments:  Mark12:30-31, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these.”

      The key word in both commandments and the motivating factor behind all our efforts is LOVE.  Our great example is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ.  “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13.  “We love Him because He first loved us.”  I John 4:;19.    Our first love is for God and He gives us this, but our love for God is not complete if it’s only for God because the second commandment is to “love thy neighbor.”  Our love for God is not only expressed in our reverence to Him, but also as it shines forth to those around us: our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc, and yes, even our enemies.
     The great Love Chapter in the Bible, I Corinthians 13, uses the word “charity” (KJV) which means love.  As you read and study this chapter you will find that love is completely and totally selfless.  We live in a selfish society today.  Thoughts of self are first and foremost in most peoples minds.  People are mainly concerned about me, myself, and I. But Christ’s way requires us to be emptied of self—-looking outward to others.
     Let’s glance at several of the characteristics of love: “suffereth long, is kind, envieth not, is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”  Just think how many marriages today would be intact if the husband and wife strove for this type of love; a love that gives instead of getting even, a love that overlooks instead of pointing out, a love that endures instead of giving up.
     May our prayer be: This day, O Lord, let me not be like the rich young man in Mark 10:20, who perceived himself to be one who had obeyed the letter of the law, and yet he lacked love, ( the ingredient that fulfills the law), and walked away sorrowful.  Use me to reflect Your perfect love.
 
Theme: The Better Way: Obedience With Love Is God’s Way
 
Read also:  Go And Make Disciples  
 
Teach children Bible verses through song: http://www.thbmm.com/scripture-songs.html 

About Gail Slawson

I am a 74 year old wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. After 54 years of marriage, my husband and I have been richly blessed with 4 wonderful children and their wonderful mates and 19 precious grandchildren, five of whom are already with the Lord and 5 great-grandchildren. My husband and I are busy retirees and reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where we serve the Lord Jesus Christ through Bible Studies, as mentors in our church and telling others about Him "as we go." Mark 16:15
This entry was posted in Encouragement, Guidance for Husbands, Guidance for Wives, Marriage. Bookmark the permalink.

3 Responses to The Whole Duty Of Man

  1. Michelle M. says:

    thank you Gail

    Like

  2. Anita says:

    Amen and amen!

    Like

  3. Janet says:

    Thanks for this good reminder….

    Like

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