From the title of this devotional you may be afraid that I will be judging others in today’s devotional, but that’s not the case, for Jesus was very clear what marks the TRUE disciple. Perhaps this might be a wake-up call for many of us who call ourselves ‘Christians’, or ‘Disciples’ of Jesus Christ!

 

DATE POSTED Tuesday, 2021-12-21
WRITTEN AT: Okeechobee, FL

BY: Ed Algreen

 

SCRIPTURE FROM: John 8:31-32
TRANSLATION: Contemporary English Version (CEV)

 

BIBLE TEXT: 31 Jesus told the people who had faith in him, “If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

APPLICATION: The first thing that got my attention in this Scripture today is that Jesus was addressing believers. From the preceding verses, it looks like Jesus was addressing a group of Jews that had just received Christ, but as I pondered the words of Jesus, the Holy Spirit challenged me that this was very applicable to all believers, even those who accepted Jesus some 45 years ago, like myself. Think about it friends. If you said yes to your spouse some 45 years ago and never went home with them, or refused to honor their wishes, or their invitation to spend quality time together, are you truly married? But isn’t that the same with Christianity? Surely you didn’t commit your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ just for the bragging rights, or to ensure that you have your ticket to allow you into heaven? Are you actively into reading the Bible so that you could learn more about what Jesus commanded? Are you active in your local church so that you could fellowship with other believers, as taught in the Bible? Are you a proactive tither to the local church, as taught in the Word of God? I believe that Jesus wanted these new Christians, and all of us old heads who sit back in our easy chairs, to know that when we accept His lordship, we are entering into an active relationship with the Creator and Master of this universe. It’s not something on our checklist that simply requires a checkmark. But it is an exciting, interactive, loving relationship where Jesus will do everything to prove His love for us. In turn, we will desire to please Him by reading His Word frequently, so that we could obey His commands and try to honor and please Him in everything that we do. Isn’t that what relationships are all about? As a reminder, Jesus said that if we obey Him, we show that we are TRULY His disciples. What do you suppose He thinks of you today? Are you, or are you not, a follower of Christ? Prove it dear friend, by obeying what He teaches you to do.

 

BLESSING(S) NOTED: Jesus wants to know that You believe in Him! He’s looking for proof of that through your obedience to Him. How are you doing?

 

PRAYER: Thank You Jesus for the reminder today of the warning You gave to the newly converted Jews. Churches are on the decline because of uncommitted believers. Marriages are ending in divorce because of uncommitted men and women. Our ‘Yes’ responses are not supported by actions that prove that we TRULY believe, and are willing to back up our belief with actions to please the person we want a relationship with. Please Lord, help us to back up our commitments by doing all within our power to honor, please and obey the party we are committing to, especially in our commitment to You. We would never deliberately make a commitment to You flippantly, so jog our memories every time You see evidence of us losing our focus. We love You Lord, and we want to serve You faithfully all of our days. May You always know that we are Your disciples, because You see the evidence every day. AMEN!

  • Login