The Need to Love God - Our Greatest Commandment

 

To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is all-consuming and all-encompassing. It is no lukewarm endeavor. It is total commitment of our very being - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - to love of the Lord.

What is the greatest commandment? When the Sadducee's challenged Christ on the doctrine of resurrection, and he responded to their inquiry, the pharisee's were present and discussed among themselves how to engage in challenging Jesus. The Pharisee's maintained that one must fulfill all the Mosaic and Levitical laws of the Jewish heritage and religion. A lawyer approaches and posits this question: Of all the commandments God has given, which of them is the greatest commandment? 

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3 Key Elements of Spiritual Growth for Authentic Christian Living

 

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In the whirlwind of modern life, many Christians yearn for a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. But how do we nurture that spiritual growth that is so crucial for genuine Christian living? Understanding the key elements of spiritual growth is essential for developing a strong, unwavering faith that can withstand life's trials and tribulations.

By focusing on pivotal aspects such as deepening our love for others, cultivating a hatred for sin, and nurturing a hunger for truth, we can transform our spiritual journey. These elements not only bring us closer to God but also help us live out our faith in tangible, impactful ways. This post will explore these three key elements, providing insights and practical tips to help you grow spiritually and live authentically as a Christian.

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Adversity Strengthens Authentic Latter-day Saint Christian Life [2 Nephi 2:11]

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For it must needs be, there is an opposition in all things ~ 2 Nephi 2:11

... it is as necessary that we should have difficulties to contend with, in order to make intelligent provision for our spiritual concerns, as it is that we should have the winter frosts and stormy weather to enable us to make discreet provision for our temporal necessities.

(Benefits of Opposition: Richards, Franklin D. Provo, Utah April 4, 1886).

Let Us Nourish and Fortify Our Faith in these Last Days

 To strengthen our testimonies and protect ourselves from error, we must constantly nourish and fortify our faith We are in a unique time period of human mortality. The days seem to be growing shorter and shorter. Hearts of men are beginning to fail. News reports are full of human tragedies and events that leave us questioning human nature and human compassion. Some are even proclaiming that we are now in the end of days where scoffers are becoming more prominent in the marketplace. Any form of religious conviction, or a symbol of religious identity is being tarnished and condemned.

The ideas of men, the philosophy of the world, and the wisdom of self-identity is becoming more and more prominent in the thoughts and hearts of each person. Selfish desires and attainment are more popular than selfless acts of service and love. To say the least, we are at war with the wisdom and philosophy of men. In this war, sides are being chosen. Where one decides to stand is where one’s allegiance and devotion will prevail and direct their paths.

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A Life of Passion, Meaning, and Purpose: A Sacred Perspective

 

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How does one create a life full of passion, meaning, and purpose? Countless books, articles, and studies claim to provide answers, yet many seekers come away unsatisfied. Why? Despite humanity’s relentless search for truth, authentic joy and purpose often seem elusive. Layered with competing ideologies, religious debates, and political divisions, the quest for authenticity and conscious living becomes even more complex.

As a society, we hunger for deeper connections and purpose, but we often look in the wrong places—political affiliations, social movements, or material success. These distractions pull us away from the eternal truths that truly satisfy. The result? We grasp but never achieve the fulfillment our souls crave. Authentic living cannot be achieved by skimming the surface of life but requires delving into its sacred depths.

The Scriptural Foundation of Authentic Living

In 365 Daily Inspirations for Creating a Life of Passion and Purpose, Gay Hendricks offers ten principles for conscious living. While these ideas may inspire personal growth, we must anchor them in a higher spiritual framework. True authenticity is found not just in self-awareness but in aligning our lives with eternal truths and divine purpose.

From a Latter-day Saint perspective, this alignment begins with understanding God’s plan of happiness (2 Nephi 2:25) and living according to His commandments (John 14:15). As we examine each of Hendricks’s premises, we can explore their spiritual significance, ultimately leading to a more meaningful, Christ-centered life.

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Guided Premise One: Authenticity is Essential

Hendricks emphasizes that a truthful life is both the means and the end of the journey. The Savior Himself taught this principle: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Authenticity requires us to live in harmony with God’s will, which leads to true freedom and joy.

Reflection:

• How authentic am I in my relationship with God and others?
• In what ways can I align my daily actions more fully with gospel principles?

Personal Takeaway:

Authenticity begins with knowing our divine identity as children of God (Romans 8:16) and living with integrity to that knowledge.

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Guided Premise Two: Prioritize Unity Over Division

Hendricks argues for focusing on what unites us rather than divides us. The Savior’s prayer, “That they all may be one” (John 17:21), teaches us that unity is not just a noble goal but a divine mandate. Contention, whether political or ideological, is contrary to the Spirit (3 Nephi 11:29).

Reflection:

• How can I promote unity in my family, church, and community?
• Are my personal beliefs contributing to contention or peace?

Personal Takeaway:

Unity does not mean uniformity. It means recognizing the divine worth in others and seeking common ground through Christ.

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Guided Premise Three: Set Spiritually Meaningful Goals

Conscious living involves pursuing goals that bring vitality and meaning. The Apostle Paul declared, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Setting spiritually focused goals aligns our actions with God’s purposes.

Reflection:

• Are my goals leading me closer to Christ?
• Do I allow space for the Spirit to guide my ambitions?

Personal Takeaway:

When we align our goals with eternal truths, we experience deeper joy and fulfillment.

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Guided Premise Four: Take Responsibility

Hendricks calls for full accountability, echoing the Lord’s words, “I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free” (D&C 98:8). Avoiding responsibility limits spiritual growth and delays our progression.

Reflection:

• What aspects of my life require greater accountability?
• How does taking responsibility strengthen my relationship with God?

Personal Takeaway:

True freedom comes from taking responsibility for our actions, repenting when needed, and trusting in Christ’s enabling power.

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Guided Premise Five: Let Go of Control

Hendricks reminds us of the futility of controlling others or the uncontrollable. The Savior taught, “Take no thought for the morrow… Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34). Trusting God’s will allow us to release unnecessary burdens.

Reflection:

• What am I holding onto that I need to release to the Lord?
• How can I increase my trust in God’s plan for me?

Personal Takeaway:

Peace comes when we let go of what we cannot control and place our trust in God’s hands.

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Guided Premise Six: Embrace Reality

Spiritual growth requires us to confront, not avoid, reality. The Savior’s Atonement is evidence that God does not shy away from pain but transforms it into redemption. As we face life’s challenges, we can echo Paul’s words, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

Reflection:

• Am I avoiding difficult truths in my life?
• How can I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth?

Personal Takeaway:

Acknowledging reality allows us to grow in faith, humility, and reliance on God.

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The Sacred Questions

As we consider Hendricks’s premises through a spiritual lens, three guiding questions emerge:

1. Who am I? (I am a child of God, with divine potential.)
2. What is my purpose? (To follow Christ, serve others, and build His kingdom.)
3. How may I be of service? (By seeking to love as Christ loves and ministering to those in need.)

These questions invite us to explore our divine identity and mission. Pondering them prayerfully can lead to profound spiritual insights.

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A Call to Sacred Living

True authenticity and conscious living are not merely about personal growth but about anchoring ourselves in Christ, the ultimate source of truth and light. The scriptures remind us: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). As we align our lives with Him, we find the passion, meaning, and purpose that elude the world.

Final Reflection:

• How does my life reflect my faith in Christ?
• What steps can I take to live more authentically as a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Call to Action:

Take time this week to meditate on the three guiding questions. Record your thoughts, and seek the Spirit’s guidance in making meaningful changes in your life. Through Christ, you can build a life filled with passion, meaning, and divine purpose.

Stand a little taller in recovery

 Growing up as a Latter-day Saint Christian, one of my favorite hymns was Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel. It wasn’t a typical hymn of worship, but it resonated with me deeply, shaping my understanding of perseverance and purpose in life. This hymn was written during the migration of the Mormon pioneers and reflects the determination of those early saints as they pushed their heavy, wheeled carts along difficult trails. The imagery of their physical labor became a metaphor for spiritual and personal resilience.

In recovery, we often encounter similar struggles. Each individual has their own work to do—work that cannot be avoided or delegated. The hymn's third stanza captures this principle perfectly:

Then don’t stand idly looking on;

The fight with sin is real.

It will be long but must go on;

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

The word sin here is worth unpacking. In Hebrew, one of the words translated as sin is chata (khaw-taw), which means "to miss the mark" or "to go astray." In recovery, the fight against "missing the mark" is very real. Substance use disorder presents countless opportunities to stray, and the road to sobriety often feels long and exhausting. But serenity and healing can only be achieved by continuing the journey, step by step, with determination. This is where the principle of “putting your shoulder to the wheel” becomes not just a hymn lyric but a personal mantra.

This idea is further illustrated in Aesop’s fable, Hercules and the Wagoner. The story tells of a wagoner whose cart became stuck in the mud. Frustrated and defeated, he threw down his whip, knelt in the mire, and prayed to Hercules for help. Hercules, however, appeared and admonished him:

"Tut, man, don’t sprawl there. Get up and put your shoulder to the wheel."

The moral of the fable is clear: while divine strength may be available to us, we are also called to exert our own efforts. The wagoner had to use his own strength to lift his cart out of the mud—a lesson in the value of action and personal responsibility.

In recovery, this principle is invaluable. Recovery demands effort. It asks us to roll up our sleeves, dig deep, and commit to the hard work of change. It means pushing forward even when the weight of our past, our shame, or our struggles feels overwhelming. When we “put our shoulder to the wheel,” we engage not just with the process of recovery but with the transformative work of rebuilding our lives.

Now is the time to rise. The time to lift our eyes from the past and resist the temptation to dwell on what is unknown or uncontrollable in the future. This is the season to commit—to squarely place your shoulder to the wheel of your own life and push with purpose toward freedom and sobriety.

The Time is Now to Do What is Right in Recovery

As the new year begins, let this be the season where you make a radical commitment to your recovery. Stand a little taller, focus on the present, and take one courageous step at a time. Leave behind the fear of what has or hasn’t happened and instead embrace the now. Recovery is about doing what is right, regardless of the challenges or consequences, and trusting that your efforts will bear fruit.

When you submit your life and your will to a Higher Power—as you understand it—you’ll find the strength to push forward. In those moments of surrender, remember these words:

Then work and watch and fight and pray

With all your might and zeal.

Push ev’ry worthy work along;

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

(Chorus)

Put your shoulder to the wheel; push along,

Do your duty with a heart full of song.

We all have work; let no one shirk.

Put your shoulder to the wheel.

Today’s Thoughtful Meditation:
Recovery takes work, courage, and commitment. It requires strength and effort. Today, I resolve to put my shoulder to the wheel of my recovery, to stand a little taller, and to move forward—one determined step at a time.