1 JOHN 2:5 (EXB)
But if someone ·obeys [keeps] ·God’s teaching [L his word], then in that person ·God’s love [or love for God] has ·truly reached its goal [been fulfilled/perfected/completed]. This is how we can be sure we are ·living in God [L in him].
We all easily agree with Jesus when HE speaks about compassion, service, and justice. But what about those hard sayings?
“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5:48) is a challenging goal. How does that compare with your standard of righteousness?
How about forgiveness? How many times are we to forgive those who hurt us? Peter thought seven times is a good standard before you put the person in your unforgiveness tent. But what did Jesus say? “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Mt. 18:22). Now 490 times raises the forgiveness bar to an all-new time high. You might as well say indefinitely. (I don’t know any person who keeps count of such times unless they are working hard towards 491 to put the person in their personal unforgiveness prison.)
What about seeking to become great in something? Where you are #1 in your field. Looked up and praise by your fellow peers. How does Jesus expect you to achieve that goal? His disciples had similar desires. Jesus replied to them and to us with these words: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mk.9:25). His way isn’t about manipulation, power plays, and putting spin on one’s viewpoint. If you want to be a leader in your field, learn to serve those around you from a humble perspective. Be a servant and help them achieve their desires. There is no glory in being a servant, but servant-hood is God’s way of leadership.
Where does evil come from? Jesus would often repeat what makes a person good or evil comes from the heart. “But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? (Mt. 9:4).
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander (Mt. 15:19).
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Lk. 6:45). So how does one replace the evilness found in one’s soul? It begins with God’s Word and is strengthen through HIS Spirit. When God’s values are planted and allowed to bloom in a person’s heart, the fruit of righteousness and joy of living are expressed in everyday life.
Repentance is about changing your current worldview. When you replace your mental inputs with God’s knowledge of life, you begin to view the world from HIS perspective. You begin to better understand your potential and shortcomings. You acknowledge your need for a Savior. You gratefully surrender your soul and support the King of Kings. As you mature in the faith, you grow in grace and knowledge of your Lord. You become a servant within HIS kingdom. You learn to govern and serve others from HIS perspective. You realize the importance of living life mutually submitting yourself with others. You find life becomes more of a romantic adventure. Yes, life is hard. There are trials and sufferings. Yet, you want others to experience the awesome joy and peace you have within yourself even through these tough times. For you know all good things come from your heavenly Father. And you want everyone to know what you know about HIM, HIS Son, and HIS Spirit.
Yes Jesus comes across as tough at times. But HIS purpose is for us to reach out to HIM. To accept HIS authority in our life. To follow HIS ways. To reach out to HIM as HE as already reached out to us. For HE is the reason you live. He wants you to know your are included in HIS story. HE knows your potential. HE is preparing you for an eternal role in HIS family business: the government of God. For today HE may be tough on us. But HIS plans for you and I are greater than anything we can even imagine.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Books By Dr. Mike:
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ (Now Available)
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
Radical In Christ 