2 John

I just read 2 John. A couple of things jumped out at me in those 13 verses. Neither of these should be a surprise. John seems to give us two necessary conditions for readers to think about in regards to living a Godly life.

First, we must love. "Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love on another, just as you heard from the beginning" (2 John 6). Of course, anyone can love. Many people love, but are without Christ. Some people have wonderfully-caring hearts and enjoy helping others, but this condition alone does not make them a Christ follower.

The second thing that John tells us is that we must believe that Christ was human. "Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They do not believe that Jesus Christ came to earth in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out, so that you do not lose the prize for which we have been working so hard. Be diligent so that you will receive your full reward" (2 John 7-8). Humanity, by definition, is sinful, but Christ is pure. Hence, many people do not believe that Christ was/is God in the flesh because they see a natural contradiction in the two.

I think that this very short book gives us a great insight. For those of us who proclaim to be Christ followers, do we love one another? For those that love, do they believe that Christ was fully God, yet full man and that he came to earth to live, die, and be resurrected?

Maybe I am overstating the case, but this book seems to "nip it in the bud". (bet no one has ever referred to the Bible like that). ;)


Proverb of the Day: Provers 16:3
"Commit you work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."