Whoever says, “I know God,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:4-6

Dear Jesus, I don't want to be the liar that you expose in this passage, that is; someone who says, "I know God but I don't need to follow his will." I know you and your love. And I love you. I want to live a peaceful, loving life like you did. I want to love God the Father so much that I resist all peer pressure to conform to the impurities of this world. I want to be honest, fair, and generous toward everyone. But as much as I want to keep every command, evil is right there with me. I still stumble into selfish thoughts and desires. So, be my strength and shield. Even when I fall, make your renewed grace the reason I get it right the next time. AMEN

Two indelible marks of Christian faith are: A) honesty about one’s sins and B) a determination to fight those sins with God’s help.

Additional Readings: James 1:19-27, 1 John 3