Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 15:12, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Background
“Gentlemen, start your engines.” The four words constitute the most famous command in auto racing, if not in all of sports. A precious few have been privileged enough to be sitting in a race car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when this command was uttered, kicking off the annual Indianapolis 500 race. Probably just as familiar to a different set of people is the command, “Throw down your weapons and come out with your hands up.” Now, I don’t know how realistic this order is in real life, but thousands of criminals in the movies have been hearing it for many decades. Every day, you and I get bossed around. Watch your step, use other door, in case of fire use exit stairs, refill paper tray, save before exiting, turn off motor before fueling, yield to pedestrians, reply to all, confirm your registration, insert or swipe card. I think you get the point. There is no shortage of people and things telling us what to do and how and when to do it. Likewise, our days are filled with endless opportunities to compare ourselves to another. That person needs to learn how to drive, I would never pay that for that, how can they eat that, that’s not how I would have done that, her dress seems a little short, what’s with all the tattoos, I don’t have that much free time to spend on Facebook.
Application
We are quite skilled at coming out favorably in the comparisons we choose to make. But God is glorified and Christ obeyed when we follow one command and assess one comparison. We must love one another and do it as Jesus loved His disciples. And remember, Jesus was telling believers to love fellow believers. He wasn’t even addressing our approach to the lost. He said it was supremely important that as the world attacked the church, His children must love one another as He loved in order to survive and honor God. It’s a basic directive that cannot be improved upon, and you must figure out how to apply it in your daily situations. The future of the church depends on it.
Charge
As we seek Him today, let your love for your fellow believers be expressed when the deceiver would have you respond differently.
Author – Rich Holt | BCWorldview.org
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