We live in an all or nothing world today. We are told we can “have it all” or “be all we want to be” just by purchasing this or living like that; by looking like this or thinking like that. What is the all that we are called to as Christians? How do we stay on track in the midst of the world’s alluring, but empty, messages?
Our Heavenly Father, through His Church gives us what we need to stay on track — the Holy Spirit! His gifts — wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety, fear of the Lord — propel us into each new day.
We recently celebrated Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit came down like tongues of fire upon Mary and the apostles. Are we aware that we don’t have to wait for Pentecost each year to call on the Holy Spirit? He’s already within us, through baptism and confirmation. We only need to ask that His gifts be stirred up within us each day so we can do the Father’s will. Jesus tells us that the Father’s will can be summed up in two great commandments:
“To love God with ALL our heart, with ALL our soul, with ALL our mind
AND
to love our neighbor as ourself” (Matthew 22:37).
Easy, straightforward command, right? So, then why do we make it so difficult??
The ALL and the AND in Jesus’ words are monumental. I am continually awed by the power of God’s Holy Spirit in Scripture. One small word by His Holy Spirit can change, has changed, and continues to change my life — as I’m sure it does yours.
The other day my children and I were talking about praying as they read the Bible — that the words are living and how important it is to ask the Holy Spirit what He wants them to hear from His word. We can read an entire chapter in the Gospel or other book from which God will show us just a phrase. In reply, my son yelled out, “or just one word!” Praise God for His Spirit through our children.
Later that day I was meditating on the above passage, and God did speak just one word to me – one powerful word – ALL. These three little letters have such a huge message.
Our Lord does not want just part of us. He does not give us a just partial blessing. He wants to bless us in ALL our ways. Through prayer, He then poured out to me numerous other scriptures where He tells us this very message.
“I will bless the Lord at ALL times, His praise shall ever be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).
“I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
“More than that, I count ALL things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of ALL things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ….” (Phil 3:8).
“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart… in ALL your ways acknowledge Him” (Proverbs 3:5).
“ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Do we want His ALL? Do we want to live His command in order to receive ALL that He promises?
His ALL may be much different from our version of ALL. Obviously, we can’t do anything to earn more of His love. He loves us the same today, tomorrow and always, but we are commanded to act out our faith in love.
As Christ said to his disciples, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
The world tells us we can have it all, but the world isn’t talking about God’s ALL. God’s ALL will bless us more and cost us much more.
How much? ALL our heart, ALL our soul and ALL our mind — for God and our neighbor.
Our neighbor includes our enemies, those who curse us, those who think differently, act differently, dress differently, smell differently, vote differently, and worship differently. It’s virtually impossible for us, but truly possible for God to do through us if we trust in His Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is ALLways ready to enlighten and guide us if we open our hearts and our ears. Let us sit in the silence and give Him our ALL.
