Know That You Are Children of God

Creation: A Divine Cycle
The Birthing of a New Community

Re-Created to Live in Harmony

1 John 2:28-3:3. The Message

Live Deeply in Christ

28 And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives.
29 Once you’re convinced that he is right and righteous, you’ll recognize that all who practice righteousness are God’s true children.
3 What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to.
2-3 But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.

For Reflection

What does it mean to live deeply in Christ?  First, Paul suggests that one must be convinced that Christ is right and righteous. Having that conviction changes you so deeply that all who see you will recognize your righteousness.  In short, living deeply in Christ is to emulate Christ, to grow more and more like him.  As children of God, living deeply in Christ, glistening with the purity of Jesus' life, we become the medium that inspires others to grow into the conviction that there is righteousness in God's overture to peace.

Pray

Pray that you will live deeply in Christ.  Pray that all who see you will recognize Christ who resides in your soul.