It is recorded in Mark's Gospel that one of the scribes heard Jesus reasoning with the Sadducees. The scribe perceived that he answered their questions wisely. He also must have recognized the unmistakable authority with which Jesus spoke. He approached the Master and asked a question that he knew should bring forth a fundamental rule of conduct, a key to all progress and success. He asked (Mark 12:28), "Which is the first commandment of all?"
Jesus answered with his customary directness, "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." In this exhortation Jesus was proclaiming a way of thinking that inevitably becomes a way of life and leads into all truth. Christian Science, the revelation of Truth to this age, illumines this passage and brings to light its practical application in daily affairs.
To love the Lord with all one's heart implies singleness of purpose in knowing and doing that which accords with Principle. It necessitates childlike receptivity, implicit obedience in following the direction of the one Mind, and willingness to do that which one is given to do. This love willingly surrenders all cherished beliefs of personal sense and self-love as power. Jealousy, hatred, and revenge must of necessity give place to the spiritual understanding of God's allness and ever-presence. This love recognizes all power, all glory, and all dominion to be of God and to be man's by reflection.
