In Matthew 22, a snarky attorney confronted Jesus with a very important question. He asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus quickly replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Jesus went on to say, “And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Those two commands might be encapsulated with a simple phrase that I heard in our staff devotions this morning. We were told to have a great day with “our eyes up and our arms out.”

As kids, when our parents wanted to impart something serious, they often might say, “let me see your eyes.” They were demanding our attention. In a similar but more important way, our eyes need to be up so we can pay attention to the directions of our Savior.

His Words (the scripture) need our full attention. When we are focused on His plans, His preferences, and His desires we have the precious Holy Spirit to guide and direct. Then we have every opportunity to enjoy His peace and be filled with His joy. That does make for a great day.

But there is a second component to His commands. And that’s where the phrase “arms out” comes into play. Loving our neighbor requires effort and intentionality. We must be focused on them, not ourselves. Opening our arms signifies a real desire to love and serve others.

So, as we start this new week, let’s all take that advice to heart: Eyes up and Arms Out. Let’s pick a verse or two to “chew on” and keep focused on the Lord and His nudgings all week long.

And as we do so, let’s look around a bit and be sensitive to folks near us. They all might have a big smile plastered on their face, but their heart might need a moment of our time, a hug or just a listening ear.

Let’s offer a cup of coffee or pick up lunch for them. Let’s share a new worship song that’s blessing us. Or pull them aside and pray for them right then and there. With our arms outstretched, we can let our family, our colleagues, and our neighbors know that we genuinely care.

Ready? Eyes Up and Arms Out (have a great day!)