I was asked, “What is the oldest thing you’re wearing today?” It’s my wedding ring which is a symbol of love and commitment. Its a challenge and constant reminder to be faithful to live out and demonstrate the love I profess. I proclaim love for my wife, for my daughter, for all my family, for my friends, for all human beings, and especially for Jesus. Living up to those professions is life’s greatest challenge.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5) “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)

Both history and the present day are full of examples of how selfish ambition and vain conceit cause people to arrogantly and recklessly ignore, disrespect the humanity of, and even demonize other human beings. “My way or the highway isn’t “the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus Christ is, and He laid down His life for us.

Jesus challenged us to: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27036)

Now that’s a challenge! Do you have the courage to embrace it and to pursue it with all your heart?