Day 3: 1 John 3:23-24
23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
Day 3: 1 John 3:23-24 // I wonder what your first thought or emotion was when reading the word “abide.” It’s a word talked about in the church, and I have very specific feelings attached. ‘Abide’ always brings about some fuzzy feelings, of togetherness and comfort, feelings of home. I think this is great, but I don’t think it gives the whole picture.
In today’s passage, abiding is described as keeping the Lord’s commandments. It’s not just a buddy system or acknowledgment of His presence, but abiding is an action. Keeping His commandments, following through with the Holy Spirit’s leading, is actually the gauge of our abiding in Him, not our feelings. We cannot abide if we are not obedient.
Abiding is less about the warm fuzzy feelings and more about being on the same team, working toward the same goal. This goal is not one created by ourselves, but instead, the plan laid out from the beginning of time to bring glory to God and grow His Kingdom. To abide is ’to act in accordance with.’ We cannot abide with Him if we are not living in accordance to His truth. There is no “my” truth or “your” truth, there is only His truth.
If we want the snuggly feelings of being with Christ, we have to humbly submit our plans and actions to His leading and coaching. He meets us in the obedience. He meets us in our back and forth of wanting our own way and wanting His. And He gives us the strength and encouragement to live out His truth. Because His truth is the only one that leads to true everlasting love, and we get to be a part of sharing that with the world.
Today’s prayer //
“Lord, thank You for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I understand that I could not even begin to follow You without Your own presence in me.
I pray that I will not only seek the Spirit when I am in need of comfort,
But that I will submit myself to You daily.
In the comings and goings, Your plan is my guide.
I will act in accordance to Your Word.
For Your Word is good and true and everlasting.
In Your Son, Jesus’ Name,
Amen.”
-written by Kate McKinney
