The Blueprint

You were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." - Galatians 5:13-14

The words above are citing an Old Testament text in Leviticus where God is telling Moses a huge laundry list of laws. You know, back when God spoke to those who believed in God. I'd be nice to have that open of communication with God in today's world, but we have iPod's, which is nice.

This law is more familiar because Jesus pimped it in the New Testament book of Matthew after he was asked by a religious leader which was the most important commandment. Jesus answered that loving God with everything you have was the most important, following that up with the gem above coming a close second.

I love these verses. It's like Jesus is giving us cliff notes to the Bible, it's laws and teachings, as well as a blueprint on how to live our lives. Humankind most often doesn't follow the cheat sheet laid out by God. But it's comforting to know that in the end, if you love God and those around you, you are following God's #1 and #2 laws. Not bad for something that is human nature to do. Love others. Your neighbor may be different, believe in different values, and have political differences. But God calls us to love that neighbor. Hugs not drugs, kids.