(Be forewarned – several wives were not happy with me when I spoke this in Church several mos ago…)
Many cultures, including the Jewish culture, do not separate the mental activity from the physical. Unlike our western culture. Therefore, in our culture we can hear without obeying. Or we can remember someone without acting on their behalf.
But in the Jewish mindset (or the Biblical mindset) to hear IS to obey, to remember IS to act, and to love someone means to be mindful of their needs, devoted to their interests, aware of their desires.
Bry and I were talking about this the other day. I could say I love my husband till I am blue in the face but if all I do is sit on the couch all day watching movies and eating chocolate do I really love him?
Loving my husband means making dinner so he can eat when he’s done with work and hungry. Loving my husband means raising children to respect and obey him. Loving my husband means keeping the house somewhat tidy so he can have a place to rest and relax. Loving my husband means doing. (and if you think I do all this perfectly than you are off your rocker)
Now sitting on the couch and watching movies may not be actively hurting my husband. After all, I’m not trying to destroy his career or his person.
BUT, if I am showing apathy to his needs or disinterest in his wishes am I truly loving my husband?
The same is true with God. We can say till we are blue in the face that we love God but if we are not actively working on His behalf, bringing His kingdom to earth – do we really love God? If we are showing apathy towards His desires, wants and wishes is that love?
No it isn’t. Neutrality towards the things of God is just as dangerous as negativity, and maybe even more so.
May we truly love God in the Hebraic sense of the word. May we realize to love God means to act on His behalf. To be concerned with God’s wishes, wants, and desire. May we love God and therefore, may we do His will and bring His kingdom.