Wow - today's reading (1 John 3:11-24) contains some challenging ideas when we stop and think about the implications of what is really being said.
For instance - verse 18 says - "Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." This is something that can be said and people can shake their heas up and down, but what does it really mean.
Well to put it in context - look at verse 17 - "If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister[d] in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?" What does it mean to show compassion? It means to take action - not to just sit by and watch.
Notice that it does not say that it is wrong to have enough money to "LIVE WELL" - but if you have enough money to "LIVE WELL" and refuse to help someone in need - that is wrong.
So what does it mean to "LIVE WELL" - I can't define that for anyone - but I would wager that in a society where self-storage units are one of the fastest growing businesses around, living well is probably a lot lower standard of living than we think necessary. The United States a consumerism driven culture intent on always having more and more.
Is it a sin to have nice things and enjoy them and have pleasure in life - not at all (look at my blog from Wednesday). But is it a sin to refuse to help someone in need because we are saving our money to pay for a new boat, car, motorcycle, or other toy? Or maybe we aren't saving our money, maybe we have already "bought" those things on credit and are making payments taht prevent us from helping others in need.
This is one of those areas that is a little gray and hard to understand. Where is the dividing line? Verse 21 says that if our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence.
If we are living in fellowship with God - He will lead us to the right balance.
I'm Moving
12 years ago
2 comments:
Keep driving the nail in deeper P Mike. I am finding that living in your means and then helping others after above that is quite rewarding. The Lord blesses us in every aspect of our lives when we try to help others from every aspect of our lives. Andy
It all has to do with trusting God. The one thing that I didn't get to in this was how at the end of the reading, it talks about how if our conscious is clear, we will be able to approach God and receive whatever we ask for. Not necessarily because God all of a sudden decides that we can have whatever we want, but because of the change that takes place within us so that the things we desire and chase after are now the things that are pleasing to God.
Hang in there buddy. Don't seek answers - SEEK GOD and you will find HIM.
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