Everybody loves something. But how do we know what we love? What are our love’s treasures, and what do they say about us? Today’s excerpt from The Kingdom Turn if found on page 149:
“Love is that affection which, more than any other, gathers together our most powerful feelings and focuses them on a single object. It doesn’t matter what that object is. It could be something as mundane as material wealth, fame or esteem, or even the possession of power over others. Whatever we love the most will be that which our affections point to, strain toward, and eagerly desire to possess. What we love is what we will treasure, and what we treasure will determine who we are.
“This ‘treasure’ will fill our minds day by day with visions, dreams, and carefully-laid plans for how we may acquire that for which we long. Love can obviously make us crazy – it can lead us to do strange and unpredictable things as we press, push, and lunge in the direction of what we love the most.
“What we most love, therefore, tells us something about the condition of our hearts. If the best part of our spiritual and physical energies are invested in making a good living – if being materially well-off is the treasure we seek – then this will be evidence of a heart which believes it can only be satisfied by the enjoyment of things and the realization of every whim. Can such a heart practice meaningful love toward another person?
“Even more important, can such a heart really love God?”
For reflection or discussion
1. What do your schedule, calendar, and expenditures reveal about what you love?
2. How do the people who know you know that you love the Lord?
It’s not wrong to take pleasure in things or work or having a good time with family or friends. But if these are where are our true happiness lies, then our love for them is inordinate, and we don’t love God as He commands. Love God first and above all else, then enjoy Him with all the gifts He provides. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss it. Your copy of The Kingdom Turn is awaiting you at The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
