Every Spring I get a comprehensive check-up. My doctor always checks first on the condition of my heart with his stethoscope, which is the most important (and least invasive) part of that visit. If he sees something troubling about my heart, the rest of the check-up gets put on hold because my heart is essential to my health.

“The Great Commandment” is our Great Physician’s comprehensive check-up for the believer’s heart, as well as his or her soul, mind, and body.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength … this is the greatest and most important command (Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37-38; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27).

Will you take a few minutes for a brief examination of your life as you consider the implications of loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

Although the Great Commandment is a comprehensive covenant, it is not a compartmentalized one. Each area of our lives overlaps somewhat with the others, so try not to over analyze each word to the point where this becomes merely an academic exercise.

What Is the Condition of My Heart?

Faithful Jews not only knew the Great Commandment (aka Shema), they also quoted it twice a day, wrote it on their doorposts, and tied it on their foreheads. Unfortunately, most came short of writing it on their hearts, as God desired (Jer. 31:31: Heb. 8:10).

The Shema is asking if we are all-in, starting with our hearts. The “most important commandment” in the Bible is also the most important question in our lives—“Do I love Jesus with all of my heart?” How can I rekindle that love today?

Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart (Ps. 86:11b-12a).

What Is the Condition of My Soul?

All humans have souls because God has breathed life into us all (Gen. 2:7). The “soul” is used as a synonym for the individual person (you). When a ship or plane goes down, they report how many “souls” were lost (Acts 27:37). There are currently more than seven billion souls on planet earth, and every soul will live forever … somewhere.

The Greek term for soul is psyche, from which we get the English word psychology. Is it well with your soul, or does your interior life need some rearranging? While the heart is the eternal part of my life that is fully redeemed, my soul is the internal/emotional part that is constantly being restored and renewed.

King David’s Psalms were mostly lament songs which revealed the sadness in his soul, yet he also allowed God to restore his soul in green pastures and beside still waters (Ps. 23:3). Where are the “green pastures” that restore your soul, and when were you there last? My soul is best restored outdoors as I jog with Janet or hunt with my friends.

Mary’s soul experienced both rejoicing and sadness. Rejoicing initially at the news of her pregnancy, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord “(Luke 1:46), and sadness at the news of her Son’s imminent death which would “pierce her soul” (Luke 2:35). Having a troubled soul is not a sin, rather it is a sign of humanity. Even Jesus experienced a “sorrowful” soul as his death loomed near (John 12:27).

Jesus promised rest for every soul that asks for his help: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest … for your souls” (Matt. 11:28). When was the last time you examined your soul, or asked the Lord or a friend about the current condition of your soul?

What Is the Condition of My Mind?

Lifeway Research found that about a quarter of pastors say they have personally experienced some kind of mental/emotional health challenge, yet most are reluctant to talk about it to their congregation (66 percent). If you are struggling with consistently negative thoughts, please consider talking to another pastor, doctor, or a therapist about it.

Also, it is sometimes difficult to love the Lord with all of our minds when we are exposed to so much useless media. Try to think of one way you can change your lifestyle that would reflect an all-in love for Jesus. I typically take a full month for a social media fast each summer.

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom. 12:2)

What Is the Condition of My Body?

Do you believe your physical health affects your mental and spiritual health? I personally believe the Shema is referring to the health and stewardship of our physical bodies.

I realize this can be a sensitive subject, and one to which perhaps more people will fail than succeed, but since our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20), doesn’t it follow that we should take care of them? Presenting our bodies as a spiritual sacrifice is a personal act of loving worship (Rom. 12:1).

I personally do cardio three times a week and strength training twice a week each, which is what health experts recommend. Each person’s diet and exercise routine needs to be customized to their own bodies and stage of life.

Healthy churches are led by healthy, resilient preachers who love God with all of their hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Will you take a few minutes right now for a Great Commandment check-up? It may be the most important thing you do all week.

Editor’s Note: If you would like to learn from Mark on how to lead a resilient life and ministry check out his new book Start to Finish (B&H, 2023). Mark encourages us to serve well, lead well, and finish well.

Mark Dance was a pastor/planter for 27 years before launching Lifeway Pastors and the Care4Pastors Network. He currently serves as the Director of Pastoral Wellness for Guidestone Financial Resources and is the author of 'Start to Finish.'