Don’t major in minor
Dr. Olawale
Scripture: Luke 10:25-28; Mark 12:28-34
Exhortation
At school, we take many classes or courses. Some courses are for general education, some are electives, some are required core courses, and some are just for us to satisfy the credit hour requirement. There are, however, core courses that we are required to take that are critical for our success both at school and after graduation.
What do you think of a student who focuses most of his or her attention on courses that are not the core required courses, while the core courses suffer? Imagine the student getting excellent grades in the non-core courses while getting below-average grades in the core courses! We will say that the student is not wise! Similarly, it would be unwise for us not to identify what God, our Father and Creator, classifies as the most important pursuit of our lives and not pursue it.
Fortunately for us, we have the answer in Scripture. Our Lord Jesus answered that question when he had a conversation with one of the teachers of the law in Mark 12; 28-34.
“28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12: 28-34 NIV)
The Lord clarifies that loving God and loving others are the greatest commandments and must be our life's pursuit. So, I need to ask myself, am I doing that? Is my heart’s pursuit and priority about me, myself, and I? Have I replaced loving and serving God and the people He brings to me with focusing on career, fame, accomplishments, and money? What drives me, and what am I pursuing? Do I seek and see every opportunity, venture, task, and relationship as one for loving God and loving others? Like the prodigal son, I must repent and return to my Father. The wonderful thing about our Father is that He runs to us when we return to Him and throws a big party to celebrate our return to Him (Luke 15:11-32).
“20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15: 20-24)
So, what are you waiting for? Return to your heavenly Father and start focusing on the major: love for God and love for others.
Call out
Avoid majoring in the minor in life by rededicating your life to loving God and loving everyone who comes your way.
