Many of us have goals, achievements and accomplishments that we hope to attain. Even for the most well intentioned of us, we may desire and pursue accomplishing a thing that is "for the good of others". Or even for “the good of God’s Kingdom”.
In considering even our most well intentioned pursuits, let's not forget what God reminds us should be our highest priority of all achievements - allowing love to conquer our own soul. To individually, internally and entirely, be as He is. And He is Love.
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26 AMP
No matter what "good" thing I may pursue, do, or help to achieve; if God's Kingdom - His Love and peace - does not rule inside of me, then anything else I've done in this life was ultimately worthless. If I let fear, turmoil, worry, concern, etc - the kingdom of Hell, aka, "the fires of Gehenna'' - remain and rule in me, then I have ultimately failed in attaining the accomplishment that is of most importance.
The following proverb seems to hold a very similar message of wisdom.
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, he who rules his [own] spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32 AMPC
Anger most often comes from fear. Only perfect Love casts out fear. More important than accomplishing anything externally or tangibly on this earth, the priority must be for me to overcome all fears within myself, with love.
In a more correct view of this; I am not actually "overcoming" anything by my works or strength. But more so "allowing" His love to overcome fear within me. Being a branch, and merely abiding in the vine of Love.
The internal and individual overtaking and conquering of my soul must be prioritized. Allowing love and peace to rule in and conquer my soul is more important than accomplishing any other “good or godly” thing.
Like Paul wrote, "If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).
Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory , but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Similar to Paul's words, Jesus spoke, "Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].
Matthew 7:22-23 AMPC
Love, and all of its attributes, ruling within our souls is more important than any other achievement. Even above accomplishing, pursuing or performing our most well intentioned goals. Interestingly, when we begin to "allow" Love to rule our soul; when our soul is conquered, it's only then that whatever things we do or accomplish will have value. Only what is done from faith, hope and love will eternally last.
This is what the message of love, in Jesus' life, shows us. Love - Jesus - did not most highly prioritize the achieving or attaining of any earthly accomplishment or exploit. He held onto no desired or pursued achievements, and intended not to accomplish any great thing, except to love.
Love did not demand, or try to rule anyone or anything. He didn’t argue to convince others of the truth, even though He was and is The Truth. Yet by, firstly, letting only love and peace rule within Him he actually attained the place of authority to be able to rule and conquer everything else.
Prioritize recognizing what rules your soul. Above any other achievement in life, let Love and peace firstly, and most importantly, rule within you. Then, if this is achieved, Love will accomplish greater works through you than you could have ever done otherwise.
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