Number one stunner.

So lately I have had a few conversations with friends about how we were brought up in our predominantly southern baptist churches to believe that our one greatest mission on this planet, as people who believe in God and Christ, is to convert other people.

I am beginning to hate this.

I mean, it is pretty awesome when you talk to people about the God you love and who loves you and they start seeing that your love is true. And they start wanting it.

That is beautiful.

But this should not be our first desire...

We are called first to love.
Not to convert.
Not to Enlist.
Just love

Yes. In loving someone, you may help them gain a relationship with God.

But our purpose is just to love.

We have heard and hear people saying we have to "further the kingdom of God"

But if you look at how Jesus talked of the kingdom of God. He said it was already here. Already at hand. We don't need to build it.

Jesus said the basis for our faith, the commandment everything hinges on, is "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength."

And joined with that, a supporting clause, is "Love your neighbor as yourself"

We are to Love as God loves us.

But first and foremost, we are to Love God.