Obey - Ouch

1) My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2) He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

3) We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4) The man who says, :I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5) But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6) Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:1-6)

During this time of Lent, this scripture really tells me who I belong to and how I must react. In the first verse John makes a curious statement, “I write this to you so you will not sin.” We understand that as fallen humans we are born sin, however here John seems to think that if we follow what he is about to write that somehow it can prevent us from sinning. Then the very next line he helps us for the times we fail by saying, “But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father I our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous one.” John does understand that we will make mistakes at the same time we can strive to live a sin-free life.

This scripture, as well as this time of year, reminds us what Jesus has done, and continues to do, for us. First he became man and took on our sin in his death and then defeated death with his resurrection. Verse three John tells us that we know that we have come to know Christ if we obey his commands. Ouch, obey, this seems to be a four-letter word today, one that causes us discomfort, well feel threatened, that if we have to obey anything or anybody, our human rights are compromised. However, John tells us in verse four, if we say we know Christ, “but does not do what he commands,” we are liars, the truth is not in us. John goes on to say here, if we do obey Christ words, “God’s love is truly made complete in,” in us.

The world will only know God’s love if we try to live a God centered righteous life. We have the power of God’s love living in us in the form of the Holy Spirit; the power that created everything lives in us. We need to allow this power to work through us, to reach the world with God’s love, through obedience of his word and commandments. We must work together with the Holy Spirit and try hard to live by the words John wrote here in verse six; “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”

Father permit Your Spirit to live through me, help me to live by the power of this Spirit to obey your commandments each and every day, and aid me in assisting other to live by your commandments. Father I need your wisdom to walk in the righteous footsteps of Your Son, to follow the path to Your kingdom. Father I need so much to trust in you not just for today Father but everyday until I get to come be with You. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Your Son, my Savior and Brother. Amen.

Spiritual Gifts

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

We know from scripture that we all have spiritual gifts, given to us by God. These are not natural talents or physical abilities, but gifts given to us by God. We are given these special abilities (gifts) to strengthen the Christian community, just as the body has many different parts working in unison for the benefit of body functionality (see Roman 12:4), the same is for a Christian community.

Just because God has given us special abilities (gifts) does not mean instant success, our gifts must be educated and nurtured or they will go unused, and just like a body that has parts missing, or not functioning properly, the Christian community will suffer, the community will still function, but it will suffer.

Today promise yourself to seriously look to determine the gifts (abilities, talents) God has given to you. Then seek to cultivate these gifts and develop them, then use them for the benefit of the Body, Christ Body, the Christian community. Share them with the humanity as long as God permits, so all will see the Love and Glory of God. This is how we worship, praise, and give thanks to God, by serving Him through His people, by using the Spiritual Gifts that He has given to us.

Glorious Father, Give me the wisdom to discover the special spiritual gifts that you have equipped me with. Help to nurture and develop these gifts so that I may use them for Your Glory, to show the world Your Love and Grace. Father help me to help others discover their spiritual gifts so that they to may benefit in the honor of being Your hands and feet to Your people here and now. Thanks You Father for loving us and caring for us today and forever. May Your kingdom regain now and forever. I pray these things in the name of Your Son my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.