1 John 2:6-10, NKJV: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
Today I would like to emphasize the word “walk” used in verse 6. This implies not only walking around, but how you live. Yes it encompasses general movement as “walking” in your home, at work, in your city, etc. Figuratively, though, this considers the manner by which you conduct yourself as you go along. How do you honor the Lord? Do you live out your calling? Are you reflecting the love of Jesus to those around you? Do you perform good deeds?
As I sit here, I am hoping you hear my heart for truth and not that of condemnation!!! In no way am I presuming you do not already live out your faith.
However, for the sake of thoughtfully reflecting on this passage, it is prudent to bring the subject up.
Your life is to be rooted and built up in Jesus. Passages like Psalm 1 and John 15 come to mind. Have you ever sat and looked at a forest full of trees and considered the way roots work? I recently read something interesting about the Redwood Forest of Northern California. The roots of those trees are actually quite shallow. They don’t grow down deep into the soil, instead they rely on the roots of each other.
Now, I firmly believe our roots are to grow deep into God’s Word of Truth, and I would propose that as the Redwoods need the support of one another, so also do we. 1 Corinthians 12:12 teaches us that we are members of one another. Together we make up the Body of Christ.
As your roots develop, you first need to be growing in the Word, and you are strengthened by growing with other believers.
The current world crisis has attempted to keep Christians from gathering. Depending where you live in the world, this is more pronounced than others. I hope to encourage you today with an exhortation to choose to deepen your walk with Jesus through His word, and gather with a few believers to discuss faith, the Word, pray, share communion or a meal, and offer up praise to our Lord. I am believing you will find that your spirit is refreshed and encouraged. The Bible teaches us that when 2 or more are gathered in His name, He is there in their midst. Gather for the sheer pleasure of His company. You are complete in Him!
Father, I pray that you help us to recognize empty philosophies and doctrines of man during this time of constant negativity and chaos. The media presents a crazy world! We are hard pressed to hope for unity with the depth of division around us. I ask You to fill us with Your truth. That You would increasingly give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation knowledge of You. Open the eyes of our understanding, that we may know the hope of Your calling, and experience Your glory through the rich inheritance You have given us in the saints. We thank you for the blood of Jesus that has redeemed us and positioned us to live as reconcilers.
May we honor and glorify You in all we do and say this day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.