And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:11-12;21
As the beloved apostle John closes out his letter he points out how God operates in the world today. God lives in believers who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This then, is the watermark of Christianity. One is a Christian partially by the belief or philosophy they embrace, but moreover, they are identified with Jesus Christ and they have Him abiding in their hearts. At the very end of the epistle, the simple but profound command capstones the letter: little children (we are but little children to our Heavenly Father), guard yourselves from idols (oh how so many things like ambition, or possessions crowd out the living and true God from His rightful place in our heart).
Is there anything supplanting the place of Jesus Christ in my heart? When did this eternal life begin with me?
God, I open my heart for inspection. Please reveal to me any idol crowding You in any way. Thank you that years ago I found life in Your Son, Jesus Christ. I know He abides in me. May I sense Your leading and guiding today in very specific ways. Please be very real and close to those in my family bringing health and joy.
Jonathan Edwards resolution #6: Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
