1 John 2:6 AMPC
[6] 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.
So that there is no confusion, it is ideal to remind ourselves of the foundation of this letter by John. John was writing from the point of view of an eyewitness to the Word of Life, having seen Him with his own eyes, and touched with his own hands too. That is the basis of the confidence a man can have to endure temporary pain, because there is a hope ahead that cannot be defined by mere words. The confidence John had in who he knew, what he held and where he was headed, also filled him with excitement to tell others about Jesus. It was not something to be kept to oneself; John was sure to say that he was going to share what he had seen and heard, so that his hearers and readers could also have and enjoy fellowship as partners with God and His Son, Jesus. This is an amazing position to be in: to have confidence in who you know and what you have, sure that it is better than all the treasures of the earth.
You do not get here by accident; you get there by personal experience. Men who speak the words of the verse above have tasted both sides of life, and know which one has eternal value. John had seen, heard, tasted, touched and encountered the Word of Life, and no earthly experience could distract him from focusing on both earthly impact and eternal stability. As it was in the days of John, so is it now. God has not changed, and His standards have not been lowered. He still seeks men who first touch, taste, see, hear, encounter and experience Him, before they seek to do the same to the world around them. He is not moved or deceived by outward piety, pretence or eye-service; He made the human heart so He understands its different dimensions and complexities. Let no man think he can get away with deceptive zeal, empty of sincere surrender. God is Omniscient; nothing is hidden from His Spirit.
If I claim to know Him, it will definitely show in my conduct, conversations, the company I keep, the convictions I hold on to, and the commitment with which I address issues. As always, God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill, but be sure that He will show Himself strong in the lives of men who are fully committed to Him. If I claim to abide in Him, my residence status will be obvious from the choices I make. Citizens have a different experience from aliens. Citizens are invested in the growth of the place they call their own. As a personal debt, I must show off my status as a carrier of the nature of God. Jesus has laid down examples for us, so we are without excuses. He not only commands, but He also supplies the grace and strength I need to succeed. Would you also depend on Him for this walk of faith? God's time of favour is here.
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