Journal 2 John (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father….
Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for but may win a full reward.” 2 John verses 4 and 8
Observation: At least John is consistent: Love is from the Father, but it can be realized and measured by people. Grace from God verified by actions observed.
Analysis: I don’t think I really found these two “observed verification” in past journaling exercises. (I have the TV on in the background for 24/7 Ukraine coverage. Maybe I should subtitle the above as “Believe but Verify”—apologies to Ronald Reagan)
It is interesting to see John being glad to the “lady” “…to find SOME of your children walking in the truth…” Contrary it could be written, “I am heartbroken to see SOME of your children NOT WALKING in the truth…” Using the broad brush of Biblical Statistics application: Not all who say they believe in Jesus will be saved: Many are called, few are chosen; Lord, Lord, in your Name—begone I never knew you.
Maybe the word “backslide” has been misused, misapplied? Is it because using the absolutes “Lost” and “Found” applied to a confessed believer is too cold? I know why I don’t use them…God’s prerogative to use, not mine.
“Believe but verify”: This is a phrase that I should be aware of everyday for myself—it is not for looking at others with. Look, I am not having a “crisis of faith” or anything of the sort. If I was on the Baseball field, this would be akin to declaring myself to be a baseball player but having ZERO skills to verify that. Even if I am on the bench, I could be a baseball player, but I should not be satisfied with being a benchwarmer.
That is what being a Christian should kind of look like: I am not satisfied being a benchwarmer and I am studying the playbook, asking for coaches for help, pleading for the Manager to be more involved in my life, and putting in the extra time…to please the Manager.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit. Set me on fire, burn in my heart, give me vision for your purposes in my life. Help me to bear fruit that increases.
Amen
Ricky Two Shoes