Deuteronomy 6:1-9
I’m all about inclusivity. It’s how I’m spending my retirement in my volunteer nonprofit role – helping ensure that all children grow up feeling represented in the pages of their own diverse books, building a foundation for a hopeful future.
So today’s scripture challenges me a bit, because at first glance, it seems to be about exclusivity. What?!
Delivered through Moses, the message to the Israelites was to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength, above all else. They were to live and breathe that love every day so their children would learn to do the same. Later, Jesus calls this the greatest commandment. It is a call to exclusive love and obedience to God.
The idea of “exclusive love” has me reflecting on ways we can all do better:
- Instead of worrying about what others think of us, we can rest in God’s unconditional love.
- Instead of being shaped by social media personalities, we can allow time with God to guide us.
- Instead of using the Bible to affirm our own biases, we can read it through the lens of Jesus.
- Instead of yielding ultimate allegiance to political leaders, we can remember that God alone holds the highest authority.
- Instead of excluding people because of their sociocultural background, we can love and accept them as children of God.
When we exclude the things that distract us from loving God and loving others, we actually become more inclusive, compassionate, and faithful people. Some of life’s deepest truths are beautifully ironic that way.
Question for Reflection:
- Do you ever find yourself caught up in things that feed your ego - “Edging God Out” - instead of drawing you closer to God’s ways?
Prayer:
Loving God, you are the One we are called to seek first for wisdom, direction, and truth. Yet so often, we are distracted by the many voices and influences competing for our attention. Help us let go of anything that pulls us away from you, so our hearts may more fully reflect your love, grace, and ways in the world. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment