Our 'Prime Directive'

I love the Star Trek concept of the 'prime directive' - a commitment to a principle that takes precedence over all other considerations. A bottom line value that supercedes all others, and clearly determines choices and behaviors.

I believe that Jesus has given his followers a 'prime directive' as well. It's found in John 13:34 - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another," It's echoed over and over through the NT - Matt 22:36-39, Rom 13:8-10, 1 Cor 13, Gal 5:6, Jas 2:8 (and others).

Love (agape - acting in the other person's best interest, no matter what) is to be the most basic 'rule' for followers of Jesus. It is the question we ask first and last when we are making choices. It determines our behavior, our choices, our values, etc. It simplifies things. There are so many times we are faced with a chioce - when this 'prime directive' would clearly guide us.

The most important things are not 'doctrine' or 'tradition' or 'denominational distinctives' or personal comfort, or personal preferences, and not even 'morality' - but love. Love must win out over any of these things. All of these things must be formulated, and administered in love - or they violate Jesus 'prime directive.'

So - how are we doing? Are we living by the prime directive in our personal lives? In our church life?