Practice what you preach

1 John 2:3-6

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

This past Tuesday I had the opportunity to speak at Christian Challenge and as soon as I was done, I felt horrible.  I doubted whether or not what I said was well supported and was concerned with the delivery being weak.  One of the things that I've been teaching my students and that I have said I believe is that God's Word has a purpose and that His purpose will always be accomplished as His Word goes out (Isa 55:10-11).  So whenever I speak or teach I always make sure that biblical text is central to everything I say because my trust is in God's Word, not in myself.  

One of the other things that I''ve said and teach is that God calls His leaders.  God is the one who allows leaders to be in the positions they are in.  Not only does God call His leaders, but He equips them too.  So whatever God has allowed you to be the leader of He will give you what you need to get the job done (Ex 3-4). 

Unfortunately even after talking about some of these concepts Tuesday night I'd forgotten the truth of all the above.  Thankfully, after the meeting I was talking to a few of the guys in my discipleship groups who after hearing my doubts and concerns reminded me of everything I'd been teaching them.  One of them remarked, "Dude did you just not listen to that message you gave?"  

I'm thankful for them and the encouragement they give me to not merely know what the bible says, but to do it. Like it says above the one who "keeps" the Word is the one in whom God's love is perfected.  Not the one knows.  Not the one who can recite or recall the Word, but the one who keeps it.  The one who knows and obeys.  The one who lives in and follows Jesus.  

Reflection Questions:

1.  Do you know God's commands and promises?

2.  Do you "keep" the commands of God?

3.  Are you a "liar?"  Is the truth in you?

4.  How can you be encouraged to follow after Jesus and have God's love perfected in you? (Heb 5:8-9)