If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. – 1 John 1:6
Do you have a Christian worldview? Or do you hold the world’s view of Christians? Is your intake of daily news colored by reporters or talk show hosts who have disdain for God’s purposes on Earth? A survey by the Barna Research Group just a year ago found that only 4 percent of Americans held what they called a “biblical” worldview. The report states, “Although most people own a Bible and know some of its content, our research found that most Americans have little idea how to integrate core biblical principles to form a unified and meaningful response to the challenges and opportunities of life.”
What is the framework on which your principles are based? Truth Encounter director, Dr. Del Tackett, wrote, “A personal worldview is a combination of all you believe to be true, and what you believe becomes the driving force behind every emotion, decision and action. Therefore, it affects your response to every area of life: from philosophy to science, theology, and anthropology to economics, law, politics, art, and social order — everything.”
If you claim a close relationship with Jesus but your decisions and your thoughts conform to worldly values, John states in today’s verse that you are walking in darkness. Theologian John Piper says, “When you walk in darkness, you are controlled by the desires for the soft, warm underbellies of prestige and power and two-second pleasures. This is the very opposite of what it means to have fellowship with God.”
Remember that your life as a Christian is not only about talk, but it is about your walk. The more time you spend with the Lord, in the study of His Word, and in prayer, the more you will walk in His light. Pray for believers who hold office in government to faithfully walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word, in truth and integrity.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 1:6
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 1
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 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. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
