The Bottom Line

Sometimes it’s beneficial to sort through all of the complexity of life and find the “bottom line.” What really is the basis for what we believe? What really matters? What can we really count on?

I think that the most important thing in life is love. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? In some ways it is. A child can understand love. And yet it is beyond our understanding. When our children were young and we were travelling a lot, we sang at a home for mentally challenged young people. I was amazed how loving they were. They loved us. They loved their caretakers. They loved Jesus. Pure and simple love.

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love,” says the old song. Has it ever been more true than now? Why are we seeing more hate demonstrated than love these days? At least, that’s what’s getting the attention. Maybe we should go out of our way to demonstrate more love. More compassion for those who are in need. Isn’t that what Jesus did when He was here on earth?

The newest winner of “America’s Got Talent” began his last poetic monologue singing “Jesus Loves Me.” I thought it would turn people off. But just the opposite happened. People are so hungry for pure love that they voted for this simple truth and the powerful words that were presented. “Jesus Loves Me” will always be one of my favorite songs because it is simple, beautiful, and reassuring. How do we know it is true? Because “the Bible tells me so.” Can it be more clear or plain than that?

If everything that we do and say is motivated by love, we will do the right thing. Jesus wrapped up all of this teaching with this bottom line. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

Sometimes as adults we are embarrassed about some things from our childhood. I hope you still enjoy singing the old song, “Jesus Loves Me,” and I hope that my grown up children aren’t embarrassed by listening to their old version of it. Here it is for everyone to ponder. Listen carefully. Is Jesus’ love the bottom line for you?

To listen to “Jesus Loves Me”, click here: Jesus Loves Me.