The battle here is against the world. Who can win it? The world is big and oftentimes scary. There are unknowns. There are traps. John tells us “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
As Christ followers we are not only children of God but we can defeat this evil world. We don’t have to feel like the victim. Too many times people take the easy way out and blame others. We can easily lose our identity. God made us just how we are. Why don’t we embrace that and live life to its fullest?
So why do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Maybe someone helped you to see the truth. Maybe you’ve always believed because you had faithful parents who brought you up believing. Maybe you’re still struggling to know what you believe.
We can look to God’s own testimony. At Jesus’ baptism, God said it – he made it clear that Jesus was his Son. Jesus also displayed his majesty on the cross. As believers, we can see this connection clearly. The verse that struck me between the eyes today is this one: “Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son.”
I’m not sure I want to be the one to call God a liar. That’s a pretty bold statement on John’s part. But, it is true. God introduced Jesus as his Son. If we don’t acknowledge that, it is like calling God a liar. God is many things, many wonderful things, but a liar is not one of them. He is all knowing, all loving, all giving.
If we say we love God yet don’t love others, we are liars. What are those things in this world that are keeping you separate from God? Is it your love of money and success? Is it your fear of condemnation? Is it messages you’ve heard from other sources that have created doubts in your head?
Do you ever feel like God is asking too much of you? Do you feel as if his commands and expectations are beyond what you can handle? Maybe it comes down to how much you love him. “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.” When we love God , we want to please him by obeying him.
Let’s pray. Thank you God for giving me a place in your kingdom as your child. I do believe that Jesus came to earth as your son and as a man. The magnificence of such an act is overwhelming. Your love for me is clear. I pray that my love for you is also clear. Help me to stand strong against the temptations of the world. Use me to make it a better place. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
