Our scripture this morning is 1 John 4:4-6.
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
John warned Christians about the opposition they would face from those who “belong to this world”, that is, those who are blinded to the truth of Christ by the temporary things they have here. We are still called to minister to them as Jesus did, but not to be surprised at their resistance or affected by their attitude. Most of all we must not let their lies or half-truths infect our faith.
God wants us all back as part of His family, but we each have to make that choice for ourselves. There are earthly and heavenly consequences for our actions but no one is beyond God’s love or redemption. Jesus speaks tenderly to the thief crucified with Him, saying “today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
We are all influenced by the world around us, what we see and hear. We must remember that God created everything and the world has nothing of its own to give. It is our challenge to value God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus for us over everything else.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we follow the way of the world instead of the path You have showed us. Forgive our foolishness and help us to use the gifts we have from You to reach all Your children. Amen.
