355 of 365 - Following Jesus

If we say we have fellowship with him [God] while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 1 John 1:6
 
John’s letters (1, 2 & 3 John) have a lot to say about what it looks like to truly be sold out for Jesus…

If we truly know Jesus, we will obey His commandments. We will do what He says. We won’t just read about it and study it and write about it…we will DO IT.

If we are in Jesus, we will walk in the same way in which He walked. We will want to live our life as He did. In obedience, submission, humility, with peace and love, staying on task instead of arguing with every naysayer and antagonist.

If we love Jesus, we will love other people. John says if we hate a brother, we aren’t in the light...we are still in darkness

If we love the world more than Jesus, the love of the Father is not in us. John goes on to describe what the “love of the world” is…desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, pride of life. When we want things because they look good, make us feel good, or elevate us personally, we are probably on the wrong track.

John tells us love looks a lot like laying down our lives for our brothers. And if we have the world’s goods and see a brother in need, but close our heart against him, God’s love does not abide in us. Those things Jesus said about loving others...He meant it! We are to love not only in word or talk, but in deed and truth.

None of these things save us...only the blood of Jesus does that. But these things do demonstrate our love and commitment to follow Him. They are an outward sign that we are His.
 
Questions: Does your outward way of living express your love of God? Do your actions match your desire to follow Him?