SCRIPTURE:
“Those who say they live in God should live as Jesus did. If someone claims, ‘I know God,’ but does not obey His commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But whoever keeps God’s word—truly, the love of God is perfected in them. This is how we know we are in Him.”
1 John 2:4–6
OBSERVATION:
Following Jesus is not a label I wear or a box I check, it is a daily, intentional commitment to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is a relationship that must be nurtured, not merely claimed. Before John reminds believers to love one another, he first establishes what it truly means to live and love in Christ. It’s obedience rooted in relationship.
We’ve all seen people “name-drop” to gain access or approval saying “I know this person” or “I’m with so and so” hoping the association alone will open doors. Sometimes that works in the world, depending on who the name belongs to. But that approach has no place in the Kingdom of God. Simply saying “I’m with Jesus” does not automatically secure a seat at His table. Singing worship songs, wearing Aloha Ke Akua tees or making bold declarations does not equal faithful representation. As Scripture reminds us, love is not proven by words alone but by action and truth.
I cannot claim Christ as my Lord while ignoring Him in my choices. I cannot represent His gospel if I do not first submit my life to Him. To follow Jesus means allowing Him to shape my decisions, my behavior, and my priorities. Anything less is empty association rather than genuine discipleship.
APPLICATION:
God’s love cannot be fully formed in me if I settle for a shallow or casual relationship with Him. Likewise, others will not recognize me as a follower of Christ if I am unwilling to walk wholeheartedly in His ways.
When I obey His Word and keep His commandments, there is no need to rely on claims or credentials. My life itself becomes the evidence. I don’t need to prove my devotion with words, titles, or explanations. A true relationship with Christ will speak for itself.
People will recognize my faith by:
- How I love
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) - How I obey God’s Word
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) - Where I find my identity
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for calling me Your own. Help my life reflect Your love, and may my actions bring honor and pleasure to You. Amen
