SEARCHLIGHT
God loves you. How much do you love God?
SCRIPTURE
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands…" 2 John 6 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Roger Staubach is regarded as an outstanding quarterback. He led the Dallas Cowboys to 5 Super Bowls which resulted in winning 2 of them. He admitted that his greatest trial as quarterback was that he did not call his own plays. Coach Tom Landry told him when to pass and run. Staubach could only change the plays in emergency situations. Landry was known to have a “genius mind” when it came to football strategy. Roger Staubach had to make a decision. His pride told him he should be allowed to direct his own team. Should he ignore his coach or obey his coach? He chose obedience which led to winning.
For most people, obedience is challenging if not very difficult to do. People prefer to make their own decisions rather than being told what to do. God created people with a will. He gives them the ability to choose. But here is the twist. When people choose to become a Christian, obedience becomes the sign of love for God. This is what the Apostle John is saying in his second epistle as seen in the above Scripture focus. Love for God is expressed by obeying God’s commands. If people love Jesus Christ, they will do whatever He commands. Love for Jesus Christ is seen in obedience.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.” [John 14:15] Jesus Christ loves you. He proved that on the cross. How much do you love Jesus? It can be measured! Do you obey Jesus Christ’s commands? That is the measuring stick.
The next question is, “What does Jesus command?” He gives many of them. They are found in the 4 Gospels. Since the Apostle John wrote today’s focus from 2 John, let me identify some of Christ’s commands John recorded in the Gospel of John. Measure your love for Jesus Christ:
- Jesus said, “Follow me.” [John 1:43; 21:19,22]
- Jesus said, “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’” [John 3:7]
- Jesus said, “…true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in the truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” [John 4:23,24] See Philippians 3:3.
- Jesus said, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” [John 7:24]
- Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” [John 13:34] See also John 15:12,17.
- Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s House has many rooms; if that were not, so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” [John 14:1,2]
- Jesus said, “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or, at least, believe on the evidence of the works themselves.” [John 14:11]
- Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” [John, 14:27] See also John 16:33.
- Jesus said, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me…If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” [John 15:4,7] See also John 15:9.
- Jesus said, “Feed my lambs…Take care of my sheep…Feed my sheep.” [John 21:15-17]
How is the measuring process going in your life? Jesus loves you. Your love for Jesus is evident by how much you obey Jesus Christ’s commands. Are you choosing the path of obedience? Jesus promises this path will lead you to the most complete and fulfilled life you could ever imagine. [John 10:10]
SOMETHING TO DO
MEASURE YOUR LOVE FOR GOD. Ask yourself these questions which correspond to the 10 commands Jesus Christ gave in St. John’s Gospel:
- Are you following Jesus Christ rather than just admiring Him?
- Are you born again? Is Jesus your Savior and Lord?
- Are you a genuine worshipper? Do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?
- If you have to judge, do you ask God what is right and just?
- Do you love without walls? Are you free from prejudice?
- Do you have an assurance about the afterlife? Are you going to heaven?
- Do you believe Jesus Christ is God?
- Do you have Jesus Christ’s peace which gives you stability and security?
- Are you asking in prayer for Jesus Christ to intervene in situations?
- Are you leading people to personally know Jesus? Are you serving in a ministry?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I am so thankful that You love me. Every day, I pray, You would fill me with your divine love. I choose to love You by obeying You. I choose to love all people, just as You do. Remind me as I go about my day how to express my love for You. AMEN!