This verse just says it so clearly. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another. When we hide in the shadows, well... there is no fellowship there. A follower of Christ cannot survive that way for long. Will our hearts still keep beating? Of course. Will we still enjoy ourselves? Probably for a little while.... But not for long. The Holy Spirit has this way of making us miserable when we're walking in sin. Especially in secret sin. And when our Lifeline is Jesus, we reap life from the Source. If we sow into sin and the flesh... we only reap death.
I have to be honest here for a minute. I am nowhere near perfect. I know that. So please don't take what I'm about to say as my own claim to perfection and godliness. I just struggle sometimes (and perhaps it is my ExTrEmE personality) with the extent to which the church is in compromise. If we say that we're going for it, LET'S GO FOR IT. You know what I mean? If I am a citizen of Heaven, I want to LIVE like a citizen of Heaven lives. Certainly, there are things on this earth, in this life that we are meant to experience and enjoy. But that is not why we're put here. Let us not live for comfort or ambition-- or even happiness. All of these things will be added. But let us seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Do we trust Him to provide the friends, the relationships, the work, the money, the fun? Then let us demonstrate that trust in Him with the way that we live our lives. If I believe in His promises to protect me, to give me a hope and a future- why am I living in such a way that says I don't? Why do we bury ourselves in our work or school? Chase meaningless, ego-boosting relationships? Spend obscene amounts of money on clothes or shoes, or entertainment? Where is our treasure? There also lies our heart.
Going back to that verse in 1 John... none of us is perfect. So let us not pretend we are. Let us walk in the light--in fellowship with Jesus and with one another, confessing our sins and being sanctified.
posted by Jules @ Sunday, January 14, 2007
2 Comments:
Hey! I've been online more lately and always find your blog encouraging, thanks :) I am so glad to be in 'community' with you.. You are a true friend and I know you'll be honest with me and others when we get off track and that you pray for and have fun with us no matter what state of mind we're in! It's wierd how 'seasons have changed' in the circle we are/were all in, but you're one of the faithful few :)I know that your treasure is God and his kingdom, and over the years I have seen you further sanctified and more like Jesus!
Love from: Bethany
Aw, thank you, sweet friend. That means a lot to me. :) So glad for the "community" I have with you also. You are a warm, caring, generous friend. Bless you much.
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