A wealthy landowner once asked his servant to tend the garden while he went away. The servant promised to water the flowers but only gave them half-hearted care. He would sprinkle water here and there, but his attention was more on his own pursuits. When the master returned, the garden was withered, the flowers drooping, and the fruit trees barren. The servant excused himself saying, “I did water them a little.” The master replied, “But I asked for your full devotion, not your leftover effort.”
So it is with God’s command in Mark 12:30. He does not ask for a piece of our heart, a portion of our soul, or a fraction of our mind. He calls for all. A divided devotion is no devotion at all. Loving Him with our whole being means our heart beats for Him, our soul longs for Him, our mind thinks upon Him, and our strength is spent in service to Him. It is not a casual affection but a consuming love.
When our love for Christ is complete, it orders everything else in life. Our relationships are richer, our burdens are lighter, and our purpose is clearer. Just as a compass needle points true north, so a wholly surrendered heart points to the Savior. Loving God wholly will keep us steady in storms, humble in success, and faithful until we see Him face to face.
Growth Principle: A life wholly given to God is a life wholly guided by God.