1 John 1:6-7
If we say that we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth. But if we live in the light, as God does, we share in life with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus washes all our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the last few days, a series of events have occurred that – even more than usual – have demonstrated God’s perfect timing. As I talked to God about these events, I thanked Him for opening my eyes and ears, so that I see more clearly than ever how His hand is in even the smallest details of my life. To me, this represents tremendous growth in my faith - and fellowship - with God…and I am truly grateful.
I turned to Google to search for more clear interpretations and insights on these verses from 1 John 1…and I discovered an interesting commentary from pastor and expositor Ray Stedman.* Stedman details the difference between a “relationship” with God…and a “fellowship”. He maintains that there are a lot of Christians who have a “relationship” – and they ARE Christians. But they “live in the dark” because they have not cultivated a “fellowship” with God, in which “He warms, fills, and fulfills us and unveils reality to us by showing up the false” as we walk in His light.
In other words, many of us treat our Christian faith like electricity. Just because you have electrical power does not mean you necessarily have “light”…until you flip the switch! In the same way, many Christians have failed to “turn on the light” of God. They have salvation through the blood of Jesus. They belong to God and are promised Eternal Life in His presence. But they are still walking in the dark.
So a “Christian in the dark” may have a sour, cynical outlook on life. He/she may be negative, delight in gossip and the downfall of others, be easily depressed and discouraged, view Christian faith as a drudgery or chore, and generally “see the glass as half empty”. A Christian who “lives in the light” with God can function in exactly the same set of circumstances with a completely different outcome. The difference, Stedman suggests, is “fellowship.”
Fellowship with God can be cultivated through prayer, Bible study, and interaction with faith-filled Christians who already enjoy living in “the light” with Him. We must genuinely hunger after God’s wisdom and be open to His guidance and instruction – in all of the forms in which He will send it. We cannot become smug and assume that we “have it all together”. God is continually teaching us. If we wish to live in His light…we must be open to His messages…and remember to “flip on the switch”!
Too many Christians are fumbling in the dark…wondering where God has gone. It’s time to find Him again. It’s time to reconnect – or maybe to really connect for the first time – and to cultivate a true “fellowship” with Him. Will this be the day that you “turn on the light” and make the connection?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/1-john/the-man-who-ignores-light
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