1 John 3: 18,19

The writer is speaking to those young in their faith, hence they were ‘children’. Many today are just like children, with what they disarmingly call a ‘simple faith’. in reality what they really mean is that they have studied little and do not enter in deep doctrine!

So, they stick to what is easy and plain. Yet, hearers of John knew what he was talking about. John was telling them that proof of their salvation and genuine status in God, was found in their ability to not just SAY they were saved, but they PROVED it by doing what they said.

As my mother used to say – anyone can say what they believe… but proof of what they believed was in what they DID. Talk is cheap, she would add, and actions speak louder than words. How right she was!

John, then, was NOT saying words are useless. Yes, we must speak as we believe, and our words mean something. But, we can easily say anything we like, and convince others we are genuine. HOWEVER, until we show our beliefs by what we do, there is no real proof that what we are saying is true. By doing what is right, based on what we claim, we prove our salvation and beliefs to be honest.

Ever met up with a fellow Christian who asks about your condition? You begin to say what is on your heart and he keeps glancing at his watch? It tells you that something else is more important to him, which means he is not really that interested in what you have to say, even if it is weighing down on you. It is a psychological barrier, and because you notice it, you cut your speech short and he goes on his way, leaving you embarrassed! A genuine empathy would have him looking at your face and taking in everything you say. No fidgeting, no impatient stance, no wish to be somewhere else.

You see, that man’s demeanour was clearly saying he did not wish to be with you. It was hardly hidden, because his eyes, face and even the way he stood, betrayed the fact that he wasn’t really interested. To be true, both body and heart must coincide!

© 06 July 2024

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