Remain in What You Heard: Trust and Obedience

As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father." 1 John 2:24

What did you hear from the beginning? John's message to his readers from the beginning was, "the Word became flesh" in the coming of Christ Jesus. As many as received Him then had the right to become children of God. (See John 1:12-14). And so we receive Him—Christ Jesus, as Savior, Lord, and Life! Simple enough, right? Oh but now for the mystery... God's part and our part.

Whatever tradition you come from, there is no way to pass over John's words here: "see that what you heard from the beginning remains in you." We have a part to play in our continued fellowship with the Son and Father. There are real forces at work to create separation between the believer and Almighty God. So what is God's part and our part in growing our union with Christ?

I believe God's part is simply empowerment through His indwelling Spirit in our hearts. And our part? To desire Him to the point we continually, in day-to-day life, actively seek Him in prayer, the Scriptures, solitude, fasting, and more than anything else, real obedience to what He tells us. Yes. Our part is to grow stronger and stronger in our belief in what God has said about Himself and us, in His words to us.

Let's pray.
Almighty God, thank You for empowering us to believe and obey. We want more of You now, God. We want our lives to come into deeper alignment and union with You. Holy Spirit, now teach us so we might do our part better every day. Yes Lord, grow our love for You as we come to know You more truly. Amen.

Our part—Trust and obedience from growing love. What do you think? Y'all ready for that? Good. Me too. Come on then. Let's go!