1 John 2:6

4th Test of Christian Behavior

1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

I sure hope Jesus didn't do the Michael Jackson moon walk because I have never been able to master that walk. As much as I tried as a kid, practicing in front of my bedroom mirror, I was never able to do it. I'm doomed!

All kidding aside, I thankfully don't think this was the kind of walk referred to in this passage. So, what does it mean by 'must walk as Jesus did'?

As I contemplate the earthly ministry of Christ, two things came to mind about how Jesus might have walked.

1. In God's Will
2. For God's glory

Everything that Jesus did was according to the Father's will. We see many examples of Jesus in prayer to the Father. We hear many times Jesus, himself, referring to the will of the One who sent him. Where he went, who he hung around with, what he said, what he did, all of these were according to the Father's will. He was subjective in everything to the Father!

As a man, Jesus must have had free will and his own humanistic spirit, just as we do. Otherwise, how would he have clearly understood what it is like for man to be tempted in every sense of the word. He came as one of us, and yet he lived a life in complete submission and in complete harmony with the Father. A sinless life. He did this to be our sufficient sacrifice. He, also, is our example on how to live.

We should look to the example of Christ in knowing the Father and his character, in trusting the Father to know best, in seeking the Father's guidance in everything we do, in obeying the Father in all things, and in loving as the Father loves.

Secondly, everything Jesus did was to bring glory to Father. Jesus didn't seek glory for himself from the world or of man. He sought only to please his Father. He sought to bring all glory, honor, and renown to the heavenly Father. All he did, pointed back to the One who sent him. Jesus sought to gain his significance through the work of the Father and through the affirmation of the Father. He defined himself as a servant of God. He was humble to One greater than he. He submitted to the authority and direction of the Father, for his Father's glory.

Can we say those two things about ourselves? Do we seek God's will in everything we do? Do we seek to do the work of the Father? Do we seek to bring glory to him alone? Do we deny ourselves, our glory, our desires for his alone?

Walk as Jesus did. Strong words from John. Words I'm guilty of not living up to. So, far we've covered living in the light, confessing our sins, obeying his commands, and now walking as Jesus did. At first glance, this one seemed easier then the first three, until you unpack it and really understand what it means. Humility is all that comes to mind at the moment. I am so far removed from the vision God has for Christians.

I'm sitting here wondering how to continue with this entry. Reading and teaching the words are one thing, living them out quite another. You can understand the objective and still find it very difficult to implement. I'm struggling under the conviction that I have a lot to learn in this area and apply to my life. I can just see Jesus, shaking his head at me, because I have taken the words into my mind, but not into my heart.

In God's will. For God's glory.

Two simple sentences that I plan on playing over and over again in my head for the next several days, weeks, months, or however long it takes me to really get it. Repeating again and again, until Jesus needs to stop shaking his head at me. Maybe it will work for you too.

In God's will. For God's glory.