Above All Else

"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." — Deuteronomy 6:5

What does it actually mean to love God above all else? Not just in theory, but in the ordinary moments — at home, on the road, at bedtime, at breakfast? In Above All Else, Next Generation Pastor Ben Norvig walks through Deuteronomy 6 and the surrounding context of Deuteronomy 4 to show us that loving God wholeheartedly is not a feeling to chase. It is a practice to build — and it starts with three words: remember, obey, and worship.

Remember What God Has Done

Moses is nearing the end of his life. He has led the people through Egypt, through the Red Sea, through 40 years in the wilderness. And his final charge is not a new strategy. It is a plea: do not forget. Pastor Ben points out that when the Israelites passed down the stories of God's faithfulness, the next generation walked with Him. But the moment they stopped telling those stories, it was only a matter of time before disobedience crept in. What one generation tolerates, the next generation accepts, and the one after that embraces.

The same is true for us. Telling our children what God has done — including our own failures and the grace that met us there — is not just good parenting. It is an act of faith.

Obey So the Blessing Flows

Deuteronomy 4 makes something clear that we often miss: obedience is not just personal. When we walk in the ways of God, we carry blessing into the spaces around us — our workplaces, our neighborhoods, our schools. And when we don't, we withhold that blessing from the very people God placed us near. You were put exactly where you are on purpose.

Worship With Everything You Have

God is not meant to be the first item on your priority list. He is the paper you write the list on. Loving God with all your heart means undivided affections. With all your soul means your entire being. With all your strength means every resource and action you have. This is not a burden — it is an invitation to start living your eternity right now.

Remember. Obey. Worship. Row.