1 John 2:6
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
Of all the verses that we read in church last Sunday, this is the one that has plagued my thoughts this week. And it's not that the pastor went in-depth in talking about this verse. He just very briefly referred to it as a cross-reference to something else and moved on. But I've found myself repeatedly thinking about this verse this week...it has almost haunted me in a sense. My entire life I've heard it said and preached that we need to live like Jesus, walk like Jesus, etc. But I've never seen the actual verse that says it...that is, until last Sunday. Isn't it funny that even if you've been in church your entire life, God continues to reveal "new" verses and continues to use His Word as our benchmark, our standard, our plumb-line. That's just the way He works...awesome! Anyway, these words sting as I'm convicted of areas of my "walk". All week I've thought: "Yes, I'm claiming to live in him, but is my walk really matching up with my claims? And, can others see the difference?" Very powerful stuff if you stop and really take time to process that. I mean I know as Christians that we are sinners and always have room for improvement in being more like Him. None of us is perfect. But this verse has served as a reminder to me that there is no room for compromise in our lives...even in what we may term the insignificant, unseen details of life. We shouldn't even give the devil a foothold (Eph 4:27). Further, His Word commands that there must not be even a hint of immorality...(Eph 5:3-7). The Bible states that we cannot serve two masters because we will love one and hate the other(Matt. 6:24). This reminds me of the story found in the book of Joshua. In this scripture the Lord commands, to "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..."(Joshua 24:15). What a challenge! I encourage you to read these verses...powerful stuff! His command is not that we "need to walk", "should walk", or "can walk". His command is that we "MUST walk as Jesus did"! And this verse is all-encompassing in our daily walk (ie: how do we act in our relationships?, how do we conduct ourselves in the business world?, how do we treat our co-workers? how do we treat our spouse?, our children?, what do we do on Monday through Saturday nights?, with what type of friends do we choose to surround ourselves?, what are our hidden thoughts?, what are our motives behind our actions?, what "fruit" do we bear (Gal. 5:22-23), do we often stand our ground and shun compromise?, basically do we practice what we preach? And the list could certainly continue. I want to be the type of Christian whose walk matches up with his talk each and every day. And personally, this verse just served as a profound reminder to me of that challenge that God has given to all of us. We serve an unconditional loving God...full of grace and mercy, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). These truths should bring peace to the Christian and hope to the lost. I would encourage you to think about this verse as you continue in your week. And please post as a comment any thoughts, insights, "burning-bushes", that God has revealed to you about this topic. I welcome the truths God has impressed upon you in studying/thinking about this verse.
Today is Sunday...it's going to be a great day of worship!
Have a good one.
Peace and blessings.
Of all the verses that we read in church last Sunday, this is the one that has plagued my thoughts this week. And it's not that the pastor went in-depth in talking about this verse. He just very briefly referred to it as a cross-reference to something else and moved on. But I've found myself repeatedly thinking about this verse this week...it has almost haunted me in a sense. My entire life I've heard it said and preached that we need to live like Jesus, walk like Jesus, etc. But I've never seen the actual verse that says it...that is, until last Sunday. Isn't it funny that even if you've been in church your entire life, God continues to reveal "new" verses and continues to use His Word as our benchmark, our standard, our plumb-line. That's just the way He works...awesome! Anyway, these words sting as I'm convicted of areas of my "walk". All week I've thought: "Yes, I'm claiming to live in him, but is my walk really matching up with my claims? And, can others see the difference?" Very powerful stuff if you stop and really take time to process that. I mean I know as Christians that we are sinners and always have room for improvement in being more like Him. None of us is perfect. But this verse has served as a reminder to me that there is no room for compromise in our lives...even in what we may term the insignificant, unseen details of life. We shouldn't even give the devil a foothold (Eph 4:27). Further, His Word commands that there must not be even a hint of immorality...(Eph 5:3-7). The Bible states that we cannot serve two masters because we will love one and hate the other(Matt. 6:24). This reminds me of the story found in the book of Joshua. In this scripture the Lord commands, to "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..."(Joshua 24:15). What a challenge! I encourage you to read these verses...powerful stuff! His command is not that we "need to walk", "should walk", or "can walk". His command is that we "MUST walk as Jesus did"! And this verse is all-encompassing in our daily walk (ie: how do we act in our relationships?, how do we conduct ourselves in the business world?, how do we treat our co-workers? how do we treat our spouse?, our children?, what do we do on Monday through Saturday nights?, with what type of friends do we choose to surround ourselves?, what are our hidden thoughts?, what are our motives behind our actions?, what "fruit" do we bear (Gal. 5:22-23), do we often stand our ground and shun compromise?, basically do we practice what we preach? And the list could certainly continue. I want to be the type of Christian whose walk matches up with his talk each and every day. And personally, this verse just served as a profound reminder to me of that challenge that God has given to all of us. We serve an unconditional loving God...full of grace and mercy, not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). These truths should bring peace to the Christian and hope to the lost. I would encourage you to think about this verse as you continue in your week. And please post as a comment any thoughts, insights, "burning-bushes", that God has revealed to you about this topic. I welcome the truths God has impressed upon you in studying/thinking about this verse.
Today is Sunday...it's going to be a great day of worship!
Have a good one.
Peace and blessings.