In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. As believers, we’re called to live differently – to be in the world but not of it. But what does that really mean in our day-to-day lives? How can we ensure that our spiritual house is in order?
The book of 1 John offers profound insights into this question. Written by the apostle John in his later years, this letter serves as a passionate reminder to early Christians – and to us today – of the core tenets of our faith. It’s a call to authentic Christian living, urging us to align our actions with our beliefs.
One of the most striking messages in 1 John is the reminder that believers don’t make a practice of sinning. This doesn’t mean we’ll never fall short – we’re human, after all. But there’s a difference between stumbling occasionally and deliberately choosing to live in opposition to God’s will. As John puts it, “Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is” (1 John 3:6).
This challenges us to examine our lives closely. Are there areas where we’ve become complacent, justifying behaviors we know aren’t pleasing to God? Perhaps it’s our language, our habits, or the way we treat others. The call is clear: as followers of Christ, we’re to strive for righteousness, even when it’s difficult.
But this isn’t about legalism or earning God’s favor. Rather, it’s about living in fellowship with Jesus. John emphasizes the importance of this relationship throughout his letter. He reminds us that we’re called to “live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 5:20).
This fellowship isn’t a distant, formal relationship. It’s intimate and personal – like sitting down to share a meal with a close friend. It involves spending time in God’s Word, in prayer, and in community with other believers. It’s about making space in our lives to hear God’s voice and allowing His presence to transform us from the inside out.
As we cultivate this relationship with Jesus, we’re called to keep our hearts focused on Him. John warns, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts” (1 John 5:21). In our modern context, this could be anything from career ambitions to social media, from material possessions to relationships. Anything that becomes more important to us than our relationship with God is an idol, and it needs to be addressed.
This leads to another crucial point: as believers, we’re called not to love this world or the things it offers. John puts it bluntly: “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you” (1 John 2:15). This world is temporary, and its pleasures are fleeting. Our true citizenship is in heaven, and our hope should be firmly anchored there.
This perspective should radically shape how we engage with the world around us. It doesn’t mean we disengage from society or ignore current events. But it does mean we approach everything – including politics, culture, and social issues – through the lens of our eternal hope in Christ. We’re called to be salt and light in this world, but our ultimate allegiance is to the Kingdom of God, not any earthly kingdom or ideology.
Perhaps one of the most challenging – and most important – aspects of authentic Christian living is how we treat one another. John is unequivocal on this point: “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (1 John 3:18). Our love for one another should be tangible and sacrificial, mirroring the love Christ showed for us.
This love isn’t just for those who are easy to love or those who agree with us. It’s for all our fellow believers, even – perhaps especially – those who are different from us or with whom we disagree. In a world that’s increasingly polarized, the church should be a place of radical love and unity, where people from all walks of life come together under the banner of Christ.
This kind of love isn’t always easy. It requires vulnerability, forgiveness, and often personal sacrifice. But it’s through this love that the world will see the reality of Christ in us. As Jesus himself said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35).
As we reflect on these truths from 1 John, we’re challenged to take stock of our spiritual lives. Are we living in a way that reflects our identity in Christ? Are we prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else? Are we loving one another in a way that demonstrates God’s love to the world?
Getting our spiritual house in order isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process. It requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to let the Holy Spirit continually transform us. But as we commit to this journey of authentic Christian living, we can trust that God is faithful. He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).
So let’s embrace this call to live differently. Let’s be a people who don’t just profess faith, but live it out in every aspect of our lives. As we do, may we shine as lights in this world, pointing others to the hope and love found in Jesus Christ.