In physics, the center of gravity (CoG) has to do with the location where the weight of an object is concentrated, how all the particles connected to that object behave, and where the weight of any object is evenly distributed.
We see many illustrations in the world of sports where these laws of physics are applied to help teams gain momentum. Football coaches use physics to teach proper running and tackling techniques. A ball carrier with a low center of gravity is more difficult to tackle. In motor sports, the lower the center of gravity, the better a racecar handles on the track. In gymnastics, the center of gravity determines the balance of an athlete.
In military terms, the CoG is defined as “those characteristics, capabilities, or locations from which a military force derives its freedom of action, physical strength, or will to fight.”
Drawing from all of these illustrations, we see that our spiritual center of gravity shapes the core of who we are. It becomes the driving force that affects every other aspect of our lives, forming our values, convictions, and belief systems. It gives us the right balance.
Ultimately, our CoG will determine what we are willing to fight for… or not.
If a person’s CoG is all about greed, life will be driven by material gain, acquiring, having more, and keeping up with the proverbial Jones’. If the CoG is all about hedonism, then pleasure and self-fulfillment will be the driving force in one’s life.
Once a scribe approached Jesus and asked him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” In other words, what should be our center of gravity? What is that core value that everything about our life and faith will ultimately hinge upon?
This all happened after many of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other religious elite were trying to trip Jesus up with sanctimonious theological questions. Jesus cut to the chase and defined spirituality 101.
His response:
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:28-30
Jesus simplified the center of gravity: Love God, Love People.