by Debbie Wicker BCCC
We are beginning a new series on the Ten Commandments, and we start with the most beautiful and foundational command of all: Love God.
God calls us to love Him with our entire being—with all our heart, soul, and mind. While none of us can do this perfectly, it is the highest goal of the Christian life. Every day, we are invited to grow deeper in our love for God and our understanding of His will.
I have reflected on this commandment for more than fifty years, and I never grow tired of it. Loving God is an infinite pursuit. The more I seek Him, the more I discover His goodness, wisdom, and faithfulness. It is a journey that never disappoints and continually inspires me.
God Loves Me
One of the most incredible truths of the Christian faith is that God loves us completely and perfectly. Through Jesus Christ, God continually seeks us, guides us, and desires what is best for us.
In 2008, I made the decision to completely surrender my life to God. Looking back, it was one of the most important decisions I have ever made.
At the time, I was serving as a Senior Vice President at a successful company and earning a substantial income. However, I discovered that the company was deceiving its customers. As a Christian, I knew I could not continue to be part of something that violated my conscience and my faith. Walking away was difficult, but I knew it was the right thing to do.
God was there for me every step of the way.
Today, I often describe my journey this way: in 2008, I stopped trying to drive the boat and started letting God take the helm. I am simply hanging on, following where He leads. His plan for my life was far different—and far better—than anything I could have imagined for myself.
A Life Transformed
For many years, I was successful in the business world, but I was rarely fulfilled. Despite having good jobs and financial success, I often felt dissatisfied and bored.
When I discovered the dishonesty within my company, it became the final confirmation that I needed a different path. We live in a world that is often marked by corruption, selfishness, and deception. Yet God calls us to something greater.
Over the next six years, God transformed my life. The changes did not happen overnight, but they happened steadily and intentionally. He led me exactly where He wanted me to be.
Today, I serve as a Christian counselor, primarily helping individuals living in poverty. My work is done on a pro bono basis because I believe God has called me to serve others. Along the way, I earned graduate degrees in mental health counseling and Christian counseling, as well as specialized certifications.
None of this was part of my original plan.
In fact, many people who knew me during my business career still have difficulty picturing me as a counselor. When I left the corporate world, some thought I was the one who needed counseling! Yet God saw something in me that I could not see in myself.
Now, I lead a mental health support group twice each month and spend my time helping others heal and grow. I am never bored. Instead, I feel energized and fulfilled because I am walking in the purpose God prepared for me.
The Greatest Commandment
When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, His answer was clear:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment.
Jesus continued by saying that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves. In fact, He taught that all of God’s laws and teachings are built upon these two commands.
Loving God is not merely an emotion. It is a daily decision to seek Him, trust Him, obey Him, and surrender our lives to His direction.
God Is Waiting for You
When I turned fully toward God and His will for my life, everything changed. He transformed my priorities, my career, my purpose, and my understanding of what truly matters.
The same God who transformed my life is ready to work in yours.
You do not need to have all the answers. You simply need to begin seeking Him with your whole heart. Spend time with Him in prayer. Read His Word. Ask Him to guide your steps. Make loving God your highest priority.
You may be surprised where He leads you.
More importantly, you may discover the life He created you to live.
About the Author
Debbie Wicker is a Board Certified Christian Counselor who brings a thoughtful mental health perspective to the study of the Bible. With more than 15 years of counseling experience, Debbie helps individuals understand Scripture not only spiritually, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
Before entering counseling, Debbie was a partner in a Big 8 public accounting firm, where she built a successful career in management consulting. After a mid-life career change, she felt called to integrate faith and mental health — equipping others to grow spiritually while addressing real-life struggles with wisdom and compassion.
Through the-Bible.net, Debbie writes to help readers better understand God’s Word, human nature, and the transforming power of Christ.