1 John 2 Thoughts…
During my quiet time this morning two passages in 1 John 2 really hit home with me. 1 John 2:3-6 says that if we say we are saved, we should keep His commandments and walk after Him. If one says he is saved and doesn’t do that is a liar. A true test of one’s own salvation is the heartfelt desire and consistent seeking to follow the Lord. Anyone who says they are saved and yet has no desire to read the Word, worship, pray or fellowship with the Lord and His people – more than likely isn’t saved. How can some “say” they are saved and never read the Word, pray, witness, worship or fellowship with the Lord or His people REALLY BE SAVED? More than likely (according to the Word of God – they aren’t). It’s one thing to walk down the isle and pray a little prayer or even get in a tub of water and go under…and totally another thing to become convicted by the Holy Spirit of your sins and need for a Savior…confess those sins, believe that Jesus died for you, rose from the grave and is alive today and cry out to the Lord and ask Him to save you. Salvation isn’t a religious act. It’s not religion…it’s RELATIONSHIP.
The second verse that really spoke to me was 1 John 2:15-17 where the Word teaches us that we should not be IN LOVE with the world and the things of this world. The world is passing away. What we see is temporal – temporary. What we do not see is eternal..existing long after this world and life are over. Many of us are so EARTHLY MINDED we are of no HEAVENLY GOOD. Always remember that THINGS pass away. THINGS do not endure. The THINGS of this world rust, mold, break and fall apart. Your relationship with the Lord endures forever. Place the things of this world in their proper order…material things are only “stuff”. The pleasures of this world are only fleeting. The bright lights and enticing sins of this life are temporary and they never bring true peace or happiness. Only a relationship with the Father brings that. Only a heart turned toward God and one that seeks to KNOW Him really experiences true peace while in this old world.
What have you learned today as you read 1 John 2? What ‘jumped off the page’ at you? Read it, pray over it, meditate on it and be ready to let God speak to you! God’s Word is alive!! Experience it!
Hope you have a great day and see you at Life House soon!! Pastor James