John urges believers to “abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (1 John 2:28)

What might make me ashamed as a Christian standing before the One who died for me?

Perhaps if I’ve lived my life for me instead of Him?

We know our works will never get us eternal life. Martin Luther was correct when he said, “it’s grace alone, through faith alone, by Christ alone”.

So really, can’t we take it easy if we have walked a church aisle and have our “Get out of Hell card” in hand?

How little can I do and still make it to Heaven?

It feels wrong just typing those words, but if we are honest, many of us have approached our walk as Christians this way.

I know you are tempted to think of someone else who may be doing this (I am) but let’s resist that urge and look at ourselves in light of God’s Word—

Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

How much of what you will do this week is about the here and now?

Are the things you are doing today going to last into eternity?

Do you see eternity in the day to day?

Do you look at your work and neighborhoods as a mission field?

Have you ever prayed with a coworker?

Does your budget reflect a love for temporary things and experiences or are you stewarding the resources God has given you for eternal impact?

How much time do you spend with your kids and grandkids discussing eternal things versus sports, homework, dance etc?

The point is we all have hearts that are prone to wander. If we want to stand before the Lord and not be ashamed, we need to regularly evaluate how we spend our lives. Yes, we should walk away from sin but we are also to deliberately spend time on those things with eternal value.

Jesus told us, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)

Oh friend, may we go. May our lips tell about the goodness of God as we remember what He has done for us!

read1John

Note – this is a continuation of my study of 1 John.