*-1 JOHN 2:1-19*
*KEY VERSE:*
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked" (1 John 2:6).
In an era when every Dick, Tom and Harry claims and wears the tag of "child of God," John the beloved admonishes believers to go beyond the empty claim of knowing God.
In verse 6 of the chapter, he uses the phrase, "ought to walk".
It means that if we claim allegiance to God, we have a moral burden and obligation to follow Christ’s steps.
It is only those who live according to the will of God that will remain in fellowship with both the Father and the Son.
Believers are admonished to hold onto Jesus, who alone is the Saviour of the world and our Advocate "with the Father".
Every professing Christian must genuinely follow the path of righteousness as Christ did.
Christ-like life and walk is only possible through the gracious experience of salvation.
To obtain this experience, the sinner must turn away from sin, believe that Jesus the Son of God died and rose again to procure forgiveness for him/her and receive Him as His personal Lord and Saviour.
As Christ comes in, He activates his/her heart to love God and live a righteous lifestyle.
One who is saved will be different from a pack of other so-called Christians who make mere profession of their love for Christ but live contrary to Him.
It is strange to note that many churches today are populated with people who are bereft of genuine experience of salvation.
Any superstructure without a foundation will surely collapse.
That is why John the beloved conveyed God’s message of Christ-like living to all classes of people.
As witnesses for Christ, we must carefully and wisely choose words to suit those we witness to in order to achieve maximum success.
We must not forget that we are in the last days and this truth places a heavy burden on us to watch over our lives while guiding others on the path of righteousness and into God’s kingdom.
*Thought for the day:*
Those who walk worthy of their profession of faith will ultimately fulfil destiny.
*Bible Reading in one Year:*
EXODUS 4-6