Who loves Jesus more?

I remember that it was  my senior year and Coach Noles said that we were in the best shape of our lives and it was all going to be downhill after that as far as being in physical condition.
Boy,  was he right.
I used to play tennis in 100 plus degree heat for hours.
When i graduated, everything changed.

I went from a life in Check to a life unbridled and eventually out of control.  

I left for LA and made a lot of mistakes.  But i learned from my mistakes as well.

It is tough to decide which is more valuable from a kingdom perspective now that the damage has already been done.

Is it better to actually go through the junk and learn the hard way?
Or
Is it better to listen and obey the spirit and not fall into the iniquitous tail spin?

For me, i am going to put a lot of weight on the fact that i can now relate to people that have been through the things i have gone through.  I feel more qualified to help people because i have been there.  i have gotten the beam out of my eye.  Yes, i know, i also put the beam in my eye. But now i can see more clearly  to help those that struggle with the same things i did.   The scriptures make more sense because i have a first hand perspective.

But, there is also weight of obedience being better than sacrifice. Which if i am being honest, is probably the best answer.


I guess i will end this with the Pharisee and the sinful woman.  Notice which one loved Jesus more.

Luke 7:36-50  And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.  (37)  And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,  (38)  And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.  (39)  Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.  (40)  And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.  (41)  There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.  (42)  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?  (43)  Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.  (44)  And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.  (45)  Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.  (46)  My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.  (47)  Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.  (48)  And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.  (49)  And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?  (50)  And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.