Chapter 6: The Greatest Commandment—Loving God First
Beyond Miracles: The True Pursuit
I grew up in the Pentecostal movement, attending Pentecostal churches, receiving Pentecostal theological training, and ultimately being ordained as a Pentecostal minister. I have seen firsthand the passion for miracles, signs, and wonders. While these are biblical and important (Mark 16:17–18; Acts 2:22), they are not the greatest commandment.
Jesus did not say, “Seek miracles with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30).
The charismatic movement has sometimes confused seeking God’s power with seeking Him. We would fast, pray, and chase revival meetings, hoping for a supernatural touch. But if miracles do not lead us to know and love God more deeply, they become distractions rather than revelations. As John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). Similarly, God’s works should point to His greatness, not become an end in themselves.
This book is a call to start with the basics. If we first learn who God is and grow in love for Him, then miracles, blessings, and spiritual experiences will take their proper place—pointing us to His majesty rather than becoming the focus of our faith.
Story to Illustrate
Imagine a young woman engaged to a wealthy and generous man. He showers her with beautiful gifts: a new car, a stunning home, expensive jewelry. If she becomes so enamored with the gifts that she spends all her time enjoying them, talking about them, and wanting more, while neglecting to spend time with her fiancé, learn his heart, or deepen their relationship, then the gifts have become a distraction. Her focus has shifted from the giver to the gifts. Miracles and blessings are wonderful gifts from God, but if they cause us to focus more on the experience or the benefit than on God Himself, we’ve missed the point. True love cherishes the giver above all gifts.
Loving God as He Deserves
Loving God is not merely about receiving from Him—it is about valuing Him above all things. Too often, we seek God for what He can do, rather than for who He is. But true love seeks no gain; it desires only the beloved.
This book asks: Do we love God for God’s sake? If all miracles, blessings, and benefits were removed, would we still desire Him? Or is our faith conditional, dependent on answered prayers and material provision? The story of Job powerfully illustrates a faith that endures even when all blessings are stripped away. “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21).
True love for God is not about what He gives—it is about who He is.
APPLICATION: SPIRITUAL PRAGMATISM AND ABSOLUTE TRUTH
Spiritual pragmatism can describe an approach to faith where what “works” or what is “helpful” in achieving certain outcomes (like happiness, success, or even church growth) becomes the primary measure of truth or value, potentially overshadowing the pursuit of God for His own sake and adherence to absolute biblical truth.
Discussion Points
Spiritual pragmatism: What could this phrase mean to you as a believer? Can you think of ways this mindset might manifest in individuals or churches (e.g., choosing teachings based on popularity rather than biblical accuracy, focusing on God as a means to an end)?
Absolute truth: Do you believe the Bible presents absolute truths about God, morality, and salvation? How does this belief contrast with a purely pragmatic approach where “truth” is relative to what is perceived as beneficial or helpful? “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).
“The Bible is good if it is helpful”: What are the potential dangers of viewing the Bible’s value only through the lens of its immediate helpfulness to us, rather than as God’s revealed, authoritative Word, which is true regardless of our perception of its utility? “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Its usefulness flows from its divine origin and truth.
Discussion Questions for Chapter 6
- Why do you think it’s often easier to seek God’s power or blessings than to seek God Himself?
- “If all miracles, blessings, and benefits were removed, would we still desire Him?” How can we cultivate a love for God that is not conditional on what He does for us?
- How can the church ensure that signs, wonders, and blessings lead people to a deeper love and knowledge of God, rather than becoming ends in themselves?