1 John 5:13-15
My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy and our cousin Owen (who is six weeks younger than Timothy) both visited us one day last summer. I had to laugh at them. Owen has not spent nearly as much time at our house as Timothy has…and Timothy made sure Owen knew that! He demonstrated his familiarity by helping himself to his “owie bags” from the freezer and more. Timothy knew where we kept his favorite snacks…what items and areas of our house were off limits, and more. And he felt quite comfortable making himself at home and asking for anything…confident that we were listening and would answer (and hopefully give him whatever he requested)!
Timothy wasn’t ugly about it, but he clearly let Owen knew that he “belonged” at our house…and this gave him special advantages! He was kind and shared his toys (for the most part)…and in the end, I am sure Owen thought our house was a pretty neat place to visit, too.
What about us? Do we let others know that a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is pretty neat? Do we live in such a way that others see the “perks” of belonging to Jesus? Do we share His gifts and blessings…love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and understanding with others? Or are we selfish with them…even smug and arrogant about our salvation and the relationship we have with Jesus? Do we let others know that they can enjoy the same bond with Christ that we have?
Do we demonstrate the power of prayer…by offering to pray for others and letting them know how God has answered us? Or are we embarrassed – or even too lazy or ashamed – to share our faith with others? Do we keep our blessings in Christ to ourselves? Do others even know we are a Christian?
Isn’t it time that we started claiming God’s amazing gift and blessings in our life…and freely communicating with Him in full confidence that His will is perfect – and anything we ask for that aligns with His will, He will grant us? Shouldn’t we be demonstrating our hope and confidence in Christ to others? Shouldn’t they be readily able to discern Whose we are…and shouldn’t they desire this same salvation and access to God for themselves?
Just how familiar are you with God? Are you comfortable making yourself at home with Him and asking for anything? How often do you give others a reason to desire these same advantages for themselves? Isn’t it time you started “representing” Jesus? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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