If you ever wondered if you could love God more, John gives us some direction. “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.” How are you doing at obeying God? It seems logical that when we love God, we should want to please Him. When we are truly devoted, we shouldn’t balk at the commandments but cherish them as a way of showing our allegiance.
Over the years, plenty of people have commented to me about all the “rules” we have to follow as Christians. Those are usually the people who are self-absorbed and have a hard time with any authority standing in their way of “fun.” When I look at God’s commandments, I see first the love of a parent wanting the best for his children. What do you see?
I, for one, need boundaries and direction. When I wake up in the morning without a plan or a purpose, I can very easily lose the day with nothing to show for it. As John said, the commandments are not “burdensome,” and I have experienced that firsthand. In fact, when we are obedient, we are safe and more likely to be out of harm’s way. When I set my sights each day on being a better human, more Christ-like and loving, I have renewed purpose. We are commanded to love.
John is writing to established believers to give them assurance and support, affirming their faith walk and devotion to Jesus. In those early days, being a Christ-follower would have been extremely difficult with religious opposition and false teachers seeking attention. That’s exactly what John’s audience faced, and our situation isn’t really all that different.
The encouragement in this chapter abounds. We don’t have to cower in fear over the evil one who stalks us. Our faith in Jesus makes us victorious even if the world doesn’t agree. Jesus has already fought the battle and overcome. We have access to the Father because Jesus made a way for us. How uplifting!
I heard recently that the part of the world where I happen to be living right now is in the middle of what’s known as the Circle of Silence. It consists of eight states, including the one where I live. It’s not the safest place to open your mouth and profess Jesus as Lord. Yet, I marvel at the honor of being sent here by God. He placed us here for a reason. Diving into his Word during this season has really opened my eyes to his love, and my devotion explodes.
Whether you live in my neighborhood or elsewhere in the world, John reminds us that “the world around us is under the control of the evil one.” The sooner we accept that, the sooner our whole perspective changes. Even though we do our best to control our sinful tendencies, temptations do come. Do you ever feel like you are a magnet for hard choices? Hold on to John’s wise counsel in verse 21. “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”
What we say about who Jesus is speaks to our allegiance. John reminds us of our great reward, eternal life, God’s plan for us. Focus on all the benefits you have as a faithful one today.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you are king and ruler of my life. Forgive me for all the time I have wasted in my life chasing other things. Thank you for how you reveal yourself to me in a fresh way every day. At the same time, Lord, your message of love and redemption never changes. Help me reflect you well and draw others into a living relationship with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
