4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:4–6.
The past month, I have been listening to John Mark Comer’s new book, Practicing the Way of Jesus.
John’s epistle seems to mirror the theme that John Mark reminds us of: Following Jesus is walking in the same way in which he walked. Following Jesus is becoming like him. To look like him. To walk like him. To speak like him…
I find myself often thinking that to follow Jesus is to believe in Jesus. Believe that he is our savior and lord. Believe that he is good. Believe in his teachings…
Yet, this is not the end goal of Jesus. The first and most obvious tangible step in the life of Jesus is to believe. Without belief, one would not follow—unless out of pure curiosity. However, at some point, one must take the step of authentic belief in Jesus.
It is at that point we must move into the active stage of following Jesus—or walking in his ways. That next step is becoming like him.
Paul illustrates this point in 1 Cor 11:1: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” The goal of the follower of Jesus becomes walking in his ways—becoming like the one the follow and serve.
I believe. I actually believe a lot.
Sometimes, I actually believe more than I do. That I think is the practice of faith we must seek to purify. When our belief spares us from the grueling work of following and walking in the ways of Jesus.
Today, may your life and actions mirror the those of Jesus.
Today, may we abide in him and walk in his ways. For that is the true call of Jesus. The best devotion abiding in the way and presence of Jesus. It is there that we find our peace.
To abide in Jesus is to walk ins steps.