Walk the Word

"By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." (1 John 2:3-6)

It's easy to talk. It's easy to say, "I'll do this or I'll do that." But the application is far harder, isn't it? We find it difficult to follow the Lord's commandments because of our fallen nature. We want to follow what is good and right in God's eyes but another part of us wants to do our own thing. That is the ultimate fruit of love--that is, we die to our own wishes, desires, and thoughts to follow the Lord's ways.

Do we die to self all at once, no. This is a long-term race, one that encompasses our entire life. For if you think on it we are dying to fear to take on trust, giving up lying to speak the truth, and forgoing our rebellion to submit.

Is God a dictator to ask for our total submission? The God of the Universe is also our Heavenly Father. Has he not proven that His ways are best? We submit so that we can follow His commandments and earn the right (through His grace) to be called sons and daughters of Christ and to reign with Him.


True, we have days or seasons when we rebel. We have times when we grow stubborn, angry, and fearful. We are after all in God's sight, children. Children make mistakes. Children fall and scrap their knees and get into fights. Children are far from perfect so then why do we expect perfection of ourselves or one another? When we sin or when someone sins against us can we not forgive them just as we desire His forgiveness?

Forgive yourself. Put the past behind you. Live for today and love others along the way. When you hurt someone then ask for forgiveness and then move on. When you stub your toe on the sidewalk of God's way then learn to pick up your feet and to have more awareness. Pray for strength, pray for the Lord's protection, and pray for those around you. Put on not jealousy or wrath but Jesus Christ. Live and see through His eyes...