Heart, Soul and Boat (Mind)

What is the greatest commandment of God? It is recorded in the Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 22 and Verse 37: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ The other synoptic gospels of Mark and Luke add the words, ‘and with all your strength.’ (Mark 12:29; Luke 10:27) Inclusively, the greatest commandment is for every part of our being - our thoughts, our desires and actions; they should be God-centred in love of Him. How should we love Him? - By being obedient to Him.

Jesus said, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love.” (John 15:10) John wrote, ‘This is love, that we walk according to His commandments.’ (2 John 1: 6)

A Christian’s love is not to be exclusively for God; he must also love all human beings, for the command to love one’s neighbours is found in the three synoptic gospels. (Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:37 and Mark 12:29)

I have quoted these biblical texts to demonstrate the sort of loving relationship human beings should have with God and with people. This vertical/horizontal communion should be reciprocal. Indeed, the all-embracing love of God is guaranteed, because Jesus first loved us so that we could love Him. John wrote, “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

What has this to do with us who love boats? A great deal, because it should show us the contrast there should be between the type and quality of love we have for boats and that we should have for God. The two loves are on entirely different levels. One is intense and eternal, while the other is insignificant by comparison, and temporary.

Bear in mind that I speak as a Christian, and I know that many will not see things as I do, but if you are a lover of boats you will have an understanding of what attracts you to them. I appeal to you who do not know the love of Jesus to search for an understanding of Him by searching through His word, the Bible, and by seeing His beauty in His creation, the mighty universe, heaven and earth.

Look beyond the temporary to the eternal and know His love.