Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Co-workers in building up the kingdom of God
Bible portion: 1 John 4: 1-6
Verse
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
Devotion
Verse
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
Devotion
We live in a world overflowing with voices, all promising a path to fulfillment. Spiritual leaders are abound, each with their own method of praise and worship. But amid this noise, we forget what our Lord stated in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." Jesus isn't offering one path among many; He is the very path itself. No human leader, no matter how charismatic, can replace Him. We do not need to search for meaning in the teachings of men when our Lord is right here. A purposeful and fulfilling life is found only through Jesus Christ.
And this purpose is to offer our lives to the building of the kingdom of God on Earth, by living a life that’s a worthy example of a disciple. As we progress through this life objective, we will meet, amplify and share our light with other lightworkers - our fellow coworkers in this endeavor towards the heavenly kingdom. But beware, for Jesus also warned us in Matthew 7:15 of false prophets who come "disguised as sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." The world is full of these deceivers, masked in piety but harboring corrupt intentions. A true teacher, however, is one who faithfully transmits the teachings of Jesus and embodies them in their own life. They lead by serving others and walking the path of God, as described in Malachi 2:6.
We were created in God's image, and within us burns a spark of His divine light, which is stronger than the flesh. Just as Satan tempted Adam and Eve, our own desires can lead us astray. But the journey of life is about strengthening our relationship with God, drawing closer to Him. He is the Alpha and Omega, the one who sacrificed everything for us, humbling Himself to become our servant. The one who shed last drop of his blood and displayed his unconditional love for us. And the core element one should have is steadfast faith in Christ and Hebrews 11-1 beautifully express faith as confidence in what we hope for and an assurance about what we do not see and James has taken it a step further and explains that faith by itself is in vain if the tangible expression of faith is not seen. Hence it is significant that one live his life with passion for Christ, and not be swayed by the distractions of the world.
Let us turn our hearts to Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Only through Him can we find true purpose and lasting fulfillment. Let our lives, as true disciples, be the connecting link that establishes the Kingdom of God on Earth.
And this purpose is to offer our lives to the building of the kingdom of God on Earth, by living a life that’s a worthy example of a disciple. As we progress through this life objective, we will meet, amplify and share our light with other lightworkers - our fellow coworkers in this endeavor towards the heavenly kingdom. But beware, for Jesus also warned us in Matthew 7:15 of false prophets who come "disguised as sheep, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." The world is full of these deceivers, masked in piety but harboring corrupt intentions. A true teacher, however, is one who faithfully transmits the teachings of Jesus and embodies them in their own life. They lead by serving others and walking the path of God, as described in Malachi 2:6.
We were created in God's image, and within us burns a spark of His divine light, which is stronger than the flesh. Just as Satan tempted Adam and Eve, our own desires can lead us astray. But the journey of life is about strengthening our relationship with God, drawing closer to Him. He is the Alpha and Omega, the one who sacrificed everything for us, humbling Himself to become our servant. The one who shed last drop of his blood and displayed his unconditional love for us. And the core element one should have is steadfast faith in Christ and Hebrews 11-1 beautifully express faith as confidence in what we hope for and an assurance about what we do not see and James has taken it a step further and explains that faith by itself is in vain if the tangible expression of faith is not seen. Hence it is significant that one live his life with passion for Christ, and not be swayed by the distractions of the world.
Let us turn our hearts to Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Only through Him can we find true purpose and lasting fulfillment. Let our lives, as true disciples, be the connecting link that establishes the Kingdom of God on Earth.
Prayer
Lord, may the Divine Spirit guide and inform our actions and thoughts, leading us to the only path of life, fulfilment, and salvation: you!
Thought for the Day
It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit. – Denis Waitley
Dr Sam Samuel,
St Johns Mar Thoma Church, New York
St Johns Mar Thoma Church, New York