Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:34-38
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
The goal of the Congregational Vitality Pathway is to help churches become Healthy and Missional. In order for that to happen, we need Healthy Missional Christians in our congregations.
By Healthy, we mean Pursuing Christ. This is not a tendency or a casual thought, but a whole-hearted investment. This commandment calls us to be ‘all in’ when we think of following Jesus.
When we think of pursuing, we may be inclined to think of pointing toward our own goal or target. Following Jesus is not like shopping for a new wardrobe where we choose what we like. It is being clothed in the Spirit with the character of Christ. This is why it is important to remember that we are pointed toward Jesus not toward our self-fashioned goals. With our eyes firmly fixed, we move closer to Jesus with each passing day.
This intimacy establishes our security and confidence to stay the course, to remain on the path. As you think about your pursuits in life, where does Jesus fall on the priority list? As you pray today, ask God to give you a clear vision of what it means for Jesus to be at the center of your life.
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