Matching Up
I’ve been pondering some of the big issues of life this week. Like when
is it really okay to wear white shoes? Does the “no white before Labor
Day” law apply to purses, too? Where does light beige fit in? And what
do we do now that they have a color called “Winter White”? Big issues.
Okay, I’m kidding. I know shoe color is not really the life-or-death
issue of the year. If I wear the wrong colored shoes too early in the
year, it’s not like it’ll bring on the next season before it’s ready. And
the flowers bloom whether I pull out the pastel shoes or not. But I
have to tell you, it’s a pretty good feeling when I know I’m wearing an
outfit that matches up with the season. I admit I would be some kind of
uncomfortable if I had to don my snow boots and wool scarf on Labor Day.
I would be uncomfortable and I would look pretty goofy.
It’s even more uncomfortable when we say we know God in the most
intimate way, yet don’t do what He says. Talk about goofy. First John 2:3-6
says, “Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep
his commandments. If someone claims, ‘I know him well!’ but doesn’t
keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his
words. But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see
God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God. Anyone
who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life
Jesus lived.” (The Message)
If I ever do make the goofy decision to wear snow boots on Labor Day,
it’s not likely to bring on a premature winter. Shoes don’t really make
the season. And obedience doesn’t make a follower of God. But a
follower of God will no doubt obey or he’s not truly a follower. Truly knowing
Him changes the way we live. Verse 29 in that same chapter in 1 John
says, “Once you’re convinced that he is right and righteous, you’ll
recognize that all who practice righteousness are God’s true children.” (The
Message)
Let’s allow our obedience to be evidence that we know Him and love Him.
It’s a good feeling to let your obedience match up with your heart’s
condition- in spring, summer, fall or winter white.