Chicken Pot Pie

Deuteronomy 6:4-5, “Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God will all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

Matthew 22:36-37, “Jesus replied, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

In Deuteronomy 6:4-5, this passage is known as the Shema, derived from the first word, “hear,” in Hebrew. It is said that modern Jews recite this in the evening and morning, considering it their sacred duty, as a declaration of their faith and commitment to God. Jesus recited this verse in Matt. 22:36-37, as “the greatest commandment of the law.” Then He explained that the First and Second Commandments are linked together. Jesus didn’t say that to love your neighbor, you need to love yourself first. No, He was saying just as you care for yourself and love yourself, love others in the same way. It would then demonstrate a continual devotion to God over self, despite those who irritate you, undermine you, and so on. It requires continually living to please our Lord and Saviour rather than ourselves.

It requires asking ourselves, ‘How can I increase my awareness of God right now and throughout my day?’ What thoughts can I be dwelling on that are loving (to God and others) that are true, thankful, hopeful, and glorifying to God in light of the gospel? What verses give me transforming, renewing Spiritual strength by the Holy Spirit’s power? One would be Ps. 147:5, “How great is our LORD! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!”

So, how can we grow in our faith, which is ongoing sanctification, and change to obey and follow this greatest commandment God gave us? “Rather, if we really love God, we’ll inevitably love people, and our lives will become like a chicken pot pie. No longer compartmentalized, the peas, potatoes, and chicken will all be mixed together. Truly, if our love for God is genuine, it will naturally flow into a love for people.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary. New Testament. Love others as God has loved and forgiven you (me) in His mercy and grace. That is the challenge that we as Christians must live out, as He is always present, always near us (Ps. 139:7-10; Ps. 23:4), because He is omnipresent. So, remember the picture of chicken pot pie, the next time you are frustrated with someone. Love others as God has loved and forgiven you. “Jesus lived the truth of this commandment,” as stated in 1 Jn. 2:8. Therefore, show mercy and grace when needed, demonstrating that your love for God is supreme in your life and is more important than taking your next breath.

Listen to Phil Wickham – Song Of The Saints (Official Music Video).