For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 1 John 5:3-8
“In this world you shall have tribulation, be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
This morning I have two thoughts floating in my mind. First, when will I realize that God’s ways (living by His revealed will and commands) is always leads to the best life? Second, how do I live a life of victory? The truth of keeping God’s commands is counter-intuitive. We first think that God’s commands are a bummer or will slow us down, somehow hinder the fun and joy in life. Just the opposite. For Christians, His commands are not burdensome, but rather, living outside of His commands always adds an unforeseen burden to life. Jesus life appears in some ways as suffering leading to failure. But, quite the opposite. He demonstrated a perfectly fulfilled life (even thought He never took a vacation in Hawaii, walked the platform at a High School graduation ceremony, attended the prom in a limo with friends). What He enjoyed was constant fellowship with God and living out His eternal purpose. Granted, Jesus is unique. But, remember, He won! He overcame the world. He had victory (the Greek word is nikao = Nike). That’s right, like the shoe company. We as Christians will overcome for sure in the next life. But, that is not to say a certain amount of victory won’t be experienced here. It will. As the song written by pastor Tindley in 1900 declares:
The world is one great battlefield,
With forces all arrayed;
If in my heart I do not yield,
I’ll overcome some day.
Do I live with the attitude of an overcomer? Am I becoming more like Jesus each day? Do God’s commands delight my soul or feel like a burden and a bummer?
God, as this Sunday begins- I pray for our pastor. May He preach Your word with insight, compassion, and power. Would you draw many, many faithful followers into ONLINE fellowship. May Your Spirit attract others who need the life-changing message of Jesus. May today be a day of Victory as we overcome as You have overcome. Lastly, thank you for my family and cutie grandchildren. Bless them Lord, even as You are doing.
