Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

We, humans, have a way of overcomplicating things. As a new year begins, we’re surrounded by countless plans for getting in shape—new diets, new workouts, new systems promising quick results. I’m no fitness expert, but I’ve learned this: real, lasting progress usually comes from returning to the basics. My simple approach to physical health is this—eat less and exercise more. That’s it. The basics.

In much the same way, Jesus came into our broken world not only to save us, but to show us how to live an abundant life. While the religious leaders of His day were focused on rules and regulations, Jesus continually pointed people back to what mattered most. In Matthew 22:34–40, He teaches that the entire Law can be summed up in just two commands: love God and love others as you love yourself. That is the foundation of how to live as a Christian.

Love God.

Love others.

Love yourself.

Jesus understood how easily we become weighed down by rules. Beyond the Ten Commandments, religious leaders had added more than 600 additional laws. I don’t know about you, but I’d struggle to recite the Ten Commandments on demand—let alone hundreds more. The people who encountered Jesus likely felt the same. Somewhere along the way, the leaders had drifted away from the basics.

There is a deep sense of freedom in returning to what is simple and true. Instead of obsessing over a complicated diet, I’m focusing on eating less and exercising more—and it’s working. In the same way, instead of striving to obey endless rules, I’ve found that focusing on loving God and loving others brings genuine spiritual health.

So here’s my official spiritual diet:

Love God: Read His Word and spend time talking with Him daily. I enjoy using the SOAP method for Bible study and the PRAY framework to guide my prayer time.

Love others as you love yourself: Join a House Church group. There is no better place to learn how to love others—and to be loved in return. Jesus lived life in close community, and we were never meant to do life alone.

The beauty of Christianity’s basics is that they lead to healthier minds and fuller lives. Those who focus on the essentials tend to live more abundantly—and to serve God and others with greater joy.

Maybe it’s time we all get back to the basics of life as God intended.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save us. We needed saving, and we needed His example of the basics. Thank You for wanting an abundant life for us. Thank You for loving us. Help is to walk in Your ways and value Your Word. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!