The Joy of Glory

1 John 1 (click here)
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:6-7)

Reflection
We like to associate with people who love what we love. Is this not the very motivation that stands behind all peer pressure?

For some reason, if there is someone in our midst who is not going along with what we are doing, especially if it is morally dubious, their presence bothers us. So they must conform or leave.

We like to associate with people who love what we love and do what we do.

We can deny it a we want, but the evidence bears witness to the contrary.

The apostle John is aware of people claiming to love God, but who do not like to associate with his people. You’ve never met anyone like that, have you?

John says that this is like claiming fellowship with the light while walking in darkness. The words and actions contradict one another. If someone is in love with darkness it will be evidenced by the fact that they do not like associating with people of the light… they want to associate with those who love what they love.

But… if we walk in the light of God, then we love fellowship with God’s people… not because we or they are better than those who walk in darkness, but because our own darkness has been cleaned by the blood of Jesus! We have been brought into the light and want to be with all others who love the light!

We like to associate with those who love what we love… do you like to associate with, fellowship with the church… the people of God?

Do you claim to love God? Is it evidenced by the fact that you love being a part of his community? Do you show sacrificial love to his people in a way that reflects the sacrificial love he has shown to you? Do you love to be a part of cruciform community?

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.