Sometimes we make life too complicated. A few examples come to mind:

1. The IRS tax code – I am not sure it is even possible anymore to file your taxes without help.
2. The NCAA guidelines – this past year one athlete who was given $1,000 was suspended for 3 games and another who was given $20 was suspended for 10 games.
3. The Bible – 66 books, 1,189 chapters, 31,102 verses and 783,137 words – with all of that information how are we supposed to know what to do?

The last few weeks I have talked about the 3 prerequisites of being a disciple and the 3 pillars of being a disciple. This week I’m starting a new section: the products of being a disciple.

What do I mean by products of being a disciple? What results should be seeing in our lives; what behaviors, what habits, what characteristics.

Jesus makes it clear the results we should be seeing: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34, 35 NIV)

Paul also makes it clear in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” It is obviously no coincidence that love is mentioned first.

If love should be our focus then what does that mean?

“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. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV)

It’s not complicated – these verses can be summarized by love God; love people. I believe this is the answer to the question: With all of the information, commandments and instructions in the Bible how are we supposed to know what to do?

So if we agree on the what love means (God love, love people) then how do we do that?

Stay tuned…

In His Service,

Ed