Scripture:
1 John 2:5-6 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
Observation:
John is giving some practical instruction on what it means to live as a Christian. Living in obedience to God’s commands is not how we can get to heaven but it is the fruit, or evidence, of our belief. If I profess to be “right” with God but live in disobedience to God I deny the reality of sin in my life. I downplay the seriousness of sin and bring shame to God’s kingdom.
Application:
I am supposed to live like Jesus. Acting in a manner that is opposite of the way the Jesus lived would be in disobedience to God. I am to love God and love others. If I can’t love my brothers and sisters in Christ that I do know, how am I supposed to love others that I don’t know? Sin is not supposed to be my norm. But, if I sin, I have an advocate in Jesus. Jesus does not plead for my innocence. He also does not say I am free of guilt. What he does say is “He is guilty. But I have served his sentence for him so He will be free to enter into Heaven”.
I must learn and then teach proper behavior and realize the genuineness of my relationship with God is seen in my behavior. Just like a child or even a puppy is taught proper behavior, we all must be taught Godly behaviors. We are not born with the knowledge of God. I must learn from others, read and stay in the word, surround myself with Godly men and then be the tool by which others can learn as well. My behaviors will instruct others about my relationship with God and, hopefully, what it means to live like Jesus.
Prayer:
Help me realize that my behavior is not only evidence of my belief but also provides examples to others, both believers and non believers.