“The world largely ignores the first and great commandment—to love God—but talks a lot about loving their brother. . . .
“. . . But only those who know and love God can best love and serve his children, for only God fully understands his children and knows what is best for their welfare. Therefore, one needs to be in tune with God to best help his children. . . .
“Therefore, if you desire to help your fellowmen the most, then you must put the first commandment first.
“When we fail to put the love of God first, we are easily deceived by crafty men who profess a great love of humanity. . . . " ( Elder Ezra Taft Benson, C.R. Oct. 1967, p. 35.)
I do feel that today's society talks a lot about loving their brother--acceptance, open-mindedness, non-discrimination. These are undoubtedly good things, but if they are not applied within the framework of God's will, they are an unfaithful and fallible guide.
That is interesting David. I agree, and obviously so does Jesus when he sums up the Law into two (the two you just mentioned). I find it fascinating that you see more emphasis on the love of the brother rather than loving God. Made me think. Because I find the very opposite in mainstream evangelical Christian circles. The emphasis seems to lean (as far as I can tell) in 'Get right with God' and 'love Him' and there seems to be a barrier or disconnect that is hard to get past. I see a trend in our modern society that is saying, "I love God, I just don't love his followers" but to be a Christian and to love God means to love the people that He loves. It is so hard for Christians to get that! But why is that so hard for Christians to get, when normal society preaches their "acceptance, open mindedness, and non-discrimination" as their religion in it of itself. --To love God means to love his people. If one don't love His people then one's relationship with God is marred and needs reconciliation. But to have preach love of the brethren or the love of people in general without the love of God is as you say, "unfaithful and fallible guide"
ReplyDelete"To love God means to love his people." I totally agree. The two are inseparably connected in their pure and complete form. You cannot truly love your neighbor if you don't love God, and you can't truly love God without loving your neighbor.
ReplyDeleteAs I thought about this, I remembered learning about "love languages." We each feel and receive the love of others in different ways. Some people will feel loved if you give them a gift, others will feel loved if you give them a tight hug, others will feel loved if you tell them that you love them. While demonstrating love in a different "love language" is a kind gesture, we will gratify and validate others the most by using their preferred language. I think this applies to our relationship with God. As with everybody else, our demonstration of love to God should be determined by both who we are and what He would like us to do.