By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
1 John 2:3-6 “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” – NIV
Many people confess knowing God even if they don’t believe in Him, let alone choosing to obey Him. Even those who believe in Him struggle with obedience especially where God’s commands contradict their desires. John clarifies what knowing God is, and ties it to obedience to His commands. He uses practical situations of what people normally say and seeks to clarify to such claimers what the truth is, that you can only say you know God personally if you are living in obedience to Him.
John further links knowing God with love for Him. One cannot obey God from their hearts if they don’t truly love Him. This knowledge of God comes through personal relationship with Him. That is how He reveals Himself to those who live in love and obedience to Him. Anything else apart from this is living a life of a lie.
Let’s examine ourselves. Do our confessions of knowing God match with our obedience to Him? This is a choice we make daily amidst the many things that seek to divert and make us compromise our relationship with God. And what God asks us to do in obedience to Him, is not too difficult to do. Even when we find it hard in our human abilities, He readily gives us strength to obey His commands. He needs our willing commitment.
Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
1 John 5:3 “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome”
Shalom children of God.