Bible Reading: Ezekiel 45, 46; 1 John 2
Memory Verse: “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:4 (KJV)
If I have two subordinates and one is always following my instructions, seeking out my will and doing it while the second one only does the minimum and disobeys me now and then. I will like the first subordinate and look for ways of rewarding him as an encouragement. Similarly for our children. This is similar to the way God treats us. God showed this in Genesis 4:1-7 when he accepted the offering of Abel and rejected that of Cain. That’s why in our Bible passage today, the Bible says in 1 John 2:3 (KJV), “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”
How well do you keep his commandments? Like we said yesterday in our devotional, the main step in obeying God is first to know what He wants. This is by studying His word, meditating on them and having regular intimate fellowship with him. Having known his word, the next step is obedience. It is obedience that confirms the truthfulness of God. On the other hand, disobedience is making God a liar. Now let’s look at a few examples from the word of God to confirm how obedient you have been.
Matthew 5:44 (KJV) says, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” How well do you obey this instruction which was part of the sermon on the Mount? How well do you pray for your enemies, how well do you show them love and when last did you bless them? I am sure we still remember that LONGSUFFERING is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit as stated in Galatians 5:22.
Another instruction of the Lord, I will like us to examine is in Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV), “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Do you forgive those who offend you as soon as they offend you as stated in this Bible verse? Anything short of that is making God a liar.
Prayer point:
Father, in every way, I have made you a liar, please forgive me and give me the grace to live a life pleasing unto you in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero