CODE XI 

I will protect the world God has made. 

BIBLE READING: Mark 12:29-31

'The most important command,' answered Jesus, 'is this: "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: "Love your neighbour as yourself." There is no commandment greater than these.' 

DEVOTIONAL: 

Recently on the TV there was a programme which gave us a live connection to the International Space Station as it continued to circle the earth on its set trajectory. Firstly, it was incredible to be able to see a live conversation with a crew of astronauts 431km above the earth floating around. But what was more interesting was a comment that one of these men made as he was filmed looking at the landscape of earth silently drifting by. 

'There are no divisions when you look from up here, no language division, no boundary division it's just the earth, amazing isn't it?' 

So, back on earth what has this got to do with this CODE? 

When it comes to protecting and looking after the world God has made, we do need to protect the ozone layer and drive greener and cleaner cars. We need to recycle and buy ethically because it protects, cares for and looks after the world. But there is more to this than you becoming an eco warrior. 

This stuff is about love for each other, and a love for the generations to come who will inhabit the earth. We don't need to look far to see the divisions that are very real. So many wars, hatred over one groups interpretation of what God looks like, shapes division and mistrust. Which side of a line you're born on will determine your value and worth in many cultures. You can see it everywhere, but from space looking at the incredible globe spinning and full of life, this division is silent. 

Jesus speaks about loving our neighbours, talk about having a view from space! This attitude and action of loving our neighbours means that your birth place, your language, the way you see God, the things you do in your life don't change the command for me to love you! This 'space perspective' sets the bar really high when it comes to caring for the world, not just the trees and resources but the people too! 

QUESTIONS: 

• Are there any boundaries in your life that stop you from loving your neighbours? 
• What would it look like for you to show love for your neighbours? 
• What experiences have you got of successfully (or not) showing love to those around you? 
• How can we care for the world we are on in practical ways? 
• Can we use our voice, our vote or our strength to protect and care for people in the world? What would this look like? 

PRAYER: 

Jesus, thank you that you have called us to love our neighbours, help us to do that without veneer and sincerity, help us to love in practical ways and care for the world we are part of. Amen