In Today's Reading:
Fellowship with God; reality of and remedy for sin; danger of antichrists; children of God and righteousness; loving one another
Our Heavenly Father has provided us with the incomparable Role Model of all history — Jesus Christ. Let us commit ourselves to following His example, even as John wrote: If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not (practice) the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another (I John 1:6-7).
There are some who say they have a relationship with Christ but still walk in darkness. God directed John to write that they lie. The darkness of the natural mind is always more concerned about one's self, one's well-being, and one's successes. But, the spiritually minded who walk in the light, as He is in the light, are first and foremost concerned that Christ be exalted in their thoughts, conduct, and conversation with others (II Corinthians 10:5; Romans 12:1-2).
A characteristic of darkness is a desire to be noticed. Such people receive a feeling of supremacy by drawing attention to themselves and seeking to dominate conversations. With others, darkness appears in the form of impatience, a sensitive spirit that is easily offended, a disposition to resent and retaliate when contradicted, or in impulses to criticize. A jealous disposition, a secret spirit of envy, or a tendency to speak of the faults and failings of others rather than of their virtues are also characteristics of darkness. Some walk in darkness with a spirit of discouragement and self-pity and a determination to convey that spirit to everyone who will listen.
Let us be like King David who prayed: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24).
Cross References:
For I John 1:8: See Ecclesiastes 7:20. I John 3:12: See Genesis 4:8.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Rep. Henry Brown Jr. (SC), Gov. Sonny Perdue (GA), Rep. Ike Skelton (MO), and Rep. Tom Tancredo (CO) • Country: Tonga (109,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tongan and English • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 22% Mormon; 14% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God with a spirit of thankfulness for His goodness (Psalm 107:1,21).
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 13:20
