“In an age of constant change, embrace the freedom and joy that is found in staying the course.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 2, 2023
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 1 John 2:19, ESV
One of the challenges of our instant society is the way we have been conditioned for change.
Novelty and variety are praised and we find ourselves quickly losing interest, bored and ready for the next thing. This can be true of trivial pursuits, such as entertainment or dining options, but also extends into deeper and more substantial areas of our lives. We up and move when we’re tired of one place and ready for an adventure. We change jobs with little to no thought. And we sever relational ties when things have “grown stale” and lack the excitement of yesteryear.
In truth, this same posture can often be found in relation to our journey of faith.
Today’s passage from 1 John 2 reminds us of the risk of superficial association with Christ that does not transform our inner being. Speaking of those who denied the true faith of Christ, John cuts to the core of their offense. Yes, their theology was wrong and they failed to abide by Christ’s words, yet the defining action that proved the folly of their ways was their inability to stay the course. As John says, “if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.”
Continuity is the key to a life of faithful discipleship. More specifically, staying connected to the body of Christ is the way you and I faithfully reach the finish line. When we are weary, the body lifts our spirits and carries our faith. And when our beliefs begin to wander, the wisdom of the community rights our wrongs and sets us back on the straight and narrow.
The greatest risk to your life with Christ is for the body of Christ to see you and say you “went out from us.”
In an age of constant change, embrace the freedom and joy that is found in staying the course, walking with Christ and his people to the very end. This is the way of faithfulness and the path of wisdom, learning daily to continue in the way that leads to life.
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” (Psalm 119:1, ESV).
Prayer
Father, give us the strength to stay the course and to be counted as members of your body, the Church, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Are there any ways you have taken a step away from Christ’s body, running the risk of being counted as “not of us?”
Related Reading
Proverbs 16:9; Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Worship Resource
Paul and Hannah McClure: All The Way My Savior Leads Me
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