One word.

When asked the greatest commandment, Jesus replied: "Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength."

One word, three letters.

Would our lives be different if Jesus had answered, "Love God with your heart, your mind, your soul, and your strength"?

Certainly, it would be easier to respond "yes" or "absolutely" if someone asks us, "Do you love God?"

One word.

Just one "A" and two "L"s.

How could one three-letter word give us pause?

"All"!

What are some ramifications of the word all?

Does all mean loving God 24 times 7?

Does all mean loving God with everything within us?

Does all mean that faith is no longer compartmentalized?

Can we rationalize the meaning of the word all?

Can all mean anything other than 100 percent, totally, completely?

Is it possible to live the first commandment today?

Would Jesus tell us to do something we couldn't do?

Ever talk with someone who passionately loves surfing or golf? Everything revolves around surfing or golf.

The ideal life scenario would be to surf or golf everyday and talk about it at night.

In short, surfing or golf is consuming.

Is our love for God less consuming, less passionate than an activity?

Jesus said where our treasure is, there our heart will be.

American revivalist Charles Finney said: "The conviction of deserved punishment must precede the acceptance of God's grace."

Is "fear of the Lord" merely a concept rather than a life-changing reality for us?

Do we fear God with awe, respect, reverence, and trembling?

If we truly love God, we fear him, and when we fear God, we love him with all that is within us.

Russell Stephen Pang attends Faith Baptist Church. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.