Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself. 1 John 2:6 AMPC
It is easy to make claims, but the proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating. I can make all the required noises, keep up appearances, but eventually, the truth about my life's pursuits will eventually be revealed. One of the earlier verses before today's extract reads so succinctly: We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. The proof of my knowledge of God isn't based on books, mouth confession or popular opinion, but on my life's outward profession. I can be hypocritical or successfully pretend, but time is a revealer of secrets and intentions.
Please note above the use of the word 'command'. God is not a negotiator, who will have to constantly present arguments to convince you to see his point of view. He has made his intentions and purposes clear in and by His Word, and he invites us to take a careful look at his Word and decide for ourselves what we want to do. God is a commander, who is referred to as the Man of War. His Word is referred to as a double-edged sword, a fire and a hammer. These things do not give a picture of convenience or ease but of the consequences of choices to be made.
So a choice must be made; a decision taken. Words are cheap; my lifestyle must match up with my words. If I truly ABIDE in Him, my residence status must be obvious from my daily living. The excuse that 'I am human and God understands my weaknesses' is a poor excuse for not living in line with the standards of God. After all, God never asked me to live by my own strength or in my wisdom, but to depend totally on Him for all I need to live right. As long as I am depending on my own strength or wisdom, I will always fall short. The fallen human nature can NEVER be conditioned to align with God's expectations. It is that new life, born of God and sustained by Him, that must be the desire and pursuit of anyone seeking to please God.
You cannot serve God out of a heart that is tied to the world. You cannot pursue your own agenda and still promote God. An example has been laid down for us, which is Christ's. His life becomes the example to follow and emulate. If people cannot see Christ in me, maybe it is because I am not living in line with His standard. The apostles didn't need to announce themselves; their lives revealed the truth about their allegiances. The men around them saw a reflection of Christ in them. Can the same be said about me? Is it just a claim or actual reality? Has my commitment to God moved from mere words to actual daily lifestyle? Remember, time will reveal the truth about me. His time of favour is here.
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