Matching Lifestyle!

Matching Lifestyle!

Whoever confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 1 JOHN 4:15 AMP

Today's extract is an open invitation to anyone and everyone, without limitation or exception. Depending on how I wish to see it, it could be an advice, or a statement of fact, which I could decide to follow or ignore. God leaves no one in doubt as the consequences of whatever choice I make.

There must be a match between the confession of the mouth and the state of the heart. This generation has perfected the art of deception and pretence, where we say one thing and mean the very opposite. Just like this season, we are all about new year resolutions and commitment to change, yet we are not addressing the foundation itself. The new year is just about coming in, and we will all rejoice and celebrate, but it must not end just there.

And it is important to confess the right thing. Unfortunately also for this generation, we are emphasizing morals at the expense of an experience of God. We now have motivational speakers who emphasise the importance of words, and while the same is true about the Bible, the Bible goes a step further to underline the importance of sincerity and a heart that is true to God. No gauge on earth can measure the heart's sincerity; only God, its creator, can.

If I confess that Jesus is the Son of God, I get the assurance of God's never-ending presence in me. This is the pivot on which all of my life hangs: without it, I am nothing, but if I have it, then I have everything I need. This is the secret to eternal life. Is it about just words to me, or is God visible in and through me? Am I holding on to a form of religion, yet denying the power that a life dedicated to God can produce? Life starts at the foot of the cross, and is sealed when it finds residence in the heart. His time of favour is here.