Halftime
We're almost halfway through 2026 — and it's moving fast. Like any good game, this is the moment the coach calls the team in, takes stock of the first half, and makes adjustments before heading back out. The second half hasn't been played yet. There's still more to be played.
For those of us who follow Jesus, that same principle applies to life. So the question worth sitting with right now is: How are you doing going into the second half of the year?
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."— John 14:26
"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have."— 2 Peter 1:12–13
The Holy Spirit, in partnership with scripture, is constantly at work — teaching, prompting, reminding us of what truly matters. So what does God say matters the most? Jesus answered that question directly when an expert in the law asked him to name the greatest commandment.
The greatest commandment
"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. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."— Matthew 22:37–40
Simple words — but the depth in them is easy to rush past. Reflect on what each of these key words actually mean:
Greatest
Most fundamental. Most comprehensive. Most important. The core principle that all other commands rest on.
Commandment
A divine directive that governs duties and ethics — part of the covenant between God and his people. Tells you what to do or not to do. Not a suggestion.
Love
Affection, loyalty, commitment, obedience, self-giving, sacrificial, intentional — seeking the best for the beloved.
Heart
Your inner self — intellect, will, moral character, belief, memory, and the source of your decisions.
Mind
The faculty of thought, reasoning, understanding, and intention.
Soul
The whole living being — emotions, desires, longings, and the deepest inner self.
Strength
Total capacity — physical, emotional, and spiritual effort. Holding nothing back.
Read it again — slowly
Now, with those definitions in mind, here is the passage expanded in fuller meaning:
A fuller reading
"With your entire inner self — your will, your reasoning, your moral character, your deepest beliefs, your memory and experiences — give your complete affection, undivided devotion, and sacrificial commitment to the Lord your God. With every longing, every emotion, and the full life force of your living being, surrender yourself fully to Him. With every capacity you possess — physical, emotional, and spiritual — holding nothing back, pouring every resource and ability toward God. This is the most comprehensive and important covenant directive of all, the one on which every other duty and ethic depends. And the second is inseparable from it: Intentionally seek the best for those around you with the same self-giving loyalty and commitment you extend to yourself. Every divine instruction and every word of the prophets finds its foundation and fulfillment in these two core principles."
"The second half hasn't been played yet. There's still everything to give."
Your halftime
This is the moment to pause. Not in discouragement — but in the spirit of any good halftime: honest assessment, course correction where needed, and renewed commitment to what matters most.
The perfect Head Coach — the Holy Spirit — is already prompting you. The question is whether you'll take a few quiet minutes to listen.
Consider: Where have you been whole-hearted toward God this year? Where have you been holding back — in heart, mind, soul, or strength? And in your love for those around you — are you intentionally seeking their best?
The second half is yours. Make it fruitful. Play it to win.