1 John 3
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 See
how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and
that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t
recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. 2 Dear
friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us
what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be
like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
4 Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 5 And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 6 Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is.Johns words for reflection this morning remind me that everyone won't understand or get our lifestyle as children of God. We will always encounter people on both side of the spectrum and everywhere between. We will encounter people who expect us to be perfect and others who will question our devotion to God in worship, praise and daily life. This is because as John says we "recognize that we are God's children" so there is something different about us. While we are not perfect we aspire to live a life free from sin and of love. The fact that we devote time to spend with God and abstain from things that would cause us physical or spiritual harm we still live fun and fulfilling lives.
Today as we walk outside our homes to face the world, remember who you are and whose child you are. When others approach you making decisions about who you are based on your faith recall today's reflection, and remind yourself that everyone won't understand us or our way of life.
P.S. Still take a moment to witness, testify or spread words of encouragement and evangelism with whomever you encounter.
Be. Well, Pastor Sirchester.
1 comment:
It is true that everyone won't understand the God that we serve and the relationship that we have with him. However, as Christians, we must NOT use this as an excuse to do wrong, and lie, or cheat, or steal, or hurt people - because God will forgive us, or because we're human, or because we do good in every other part of our lives, or because nobody knows and God knows our heart. This is when the stereotype of Christians is true. This is when people rightfully refer to us as hypocrites. We need not misrepresent the image of God, through out reckless living and our selfish, careless, fleshly thoughts and actions, all while claiming to be a follower of Christ.
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