Our February theme is Loving. My go-to principle is known as The Greatest Commandment. This brief paragraph is so rich in concepts for being on-purpose that we’ll be mining it for gems of useful wisdom the entire month.
“The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Looking at the bold text, you’ll discover the On-Purpose Pal is a visual depiction of the referenced heart, soul, mind, and strength. Purpose is the heart. Mind is in the head, conveying vision. Strength is in the arms and legs or hands and feet of the Pal and represents our missions. A hurt soul can start with a gagging reflex and move to become like a kick in the gut — our values are being violated.
What are you to do with this resemblance? There’s three strong points for your consideration:
1. We’re advised to “Love the Lord your God …” first. God wants to own the primary position in your life, every part of your life. Some describe this as being a “jealous God.” Apart from human jealousy, which is based in fear, this heavenly jealousy carries an opposite meaning, providing zealous and unselfish protection in only wanting the best for us given our reality.
2. Having identified God as the first person for our love, then comes our heart, followed by our soul, mind, and strength. Looking at the On-Purpose Pal you can see purpose and values are tightly connected by the heart, throat, and gut in a neat package that comprises the mystery called our soul.
3. Do you see the inner order of wellbeing that is provided? First the heart, then the soul (values), then the mind, then your strength. So when you’re in doubt, discouraged, or distressed, check the inner order of your life. Learn, adjust, and move forward.
Herein lies the dormant power of your 2-word purpose. Where the Greatest Commandment as written may present a worthwhile precept for living one’s life, your 2-word purpose give you specificity, meaning, and personalization.
Whatever longing of your heart you have can be traced right back to this three-way test:
1. Are you loving God first?
2. Are you loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?
3. How is your inner order?
This simple analysis of your whole life or current circumstances will reveal the source of consternation. Similarly, if you’re actively and imperfectly applying these principles, you know the joy, even in adversity, of living into The Greatest Commandment as an on-purpose person in creation.
Be On-Purpose!
Kevin
