~ Acid Tests of Christianity ~
What are
you known for? What kind of reputation do you have? More importantly, what is
your character like?
The third
chapter of the first epistle of John provides two significant acid tests of authentic
Christianity.
The Test of
Character ~
This is largely a test of your attitude. It has to do with your thought
life. “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates
you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the
brethren. He who does not love his brother
abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that
no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:13-15). Do you love all
of your brothers and sisters in Christ?
The Test of Confession
~ This is largely a test of your
activities. It has to do with action. “By this we
know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down
our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his
brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God
abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in
deed and in truth. And by this we know that
we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him” (1 John 3:16-19). Do your actions confirm your words? Are you
living an authentic Christian life?
Summary ~ God
wants Christians to be known by their love. Jesus put it very clearly, “A new
commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that
you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if
you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
