1 John 1:5-10

I so often hear things from you guys about “I thought grace was free,” etc, etc, etc.  Grace is free, no questions ask – but it costs us everything!  Let’s think really quickly through what salvation is – it is an acceptance of wrong-doing (sin), a need for hope (salvation), an acceptance of a gift (sacrifice) and an acknowledgment that you will not be the same (due to freedom).  You were once prone to do bad, but now you are eager to do good – our freedom should free us from darkness and make us yearn for the light.  It is this yearning for the light that many of us miss out on.  We think it is a gift that will not affect us going forward, but how can you – in saying that you are sinful – not desire to change?  Change is the next logical step in the process, so salvation is free but costs us everything.  Or look at it this way – I woke up this morning and looked in the mirror.  I was disturbed by the matter of my hair, face, etc. in the morning.  I am a wreck.  Upon accepting this fact, I would like to take a shower and start the day off freshly.  Therefore my acknowledgment of my condition will lead me to further action.  You do this all the time (friends are mad – you make amends, parents need help – you get up and help) without even thinking often.  However, when it comes to our faith world (the most important part of our lives and world) we want a free ride now.  We have cheapened salvation.

John is point this out by saying that we must walk in the light.  If you claim to have fellowship with God, you must walk out of the dark and into the light – you can’t be the same!  If you don’t do this, you are deceiving yourself.  Sad, but true.  This changes our fellowship with Him and with each other (what was the greatest commandment again?) and the harmony we are all looking for is found.  So, what will it be?

John does not stop there, though.  He also points out that we must actually be in the light, but this does not mean trying to convince everyone we are without sin.  We are still messed up – as we will likely always be on this planet considering our condition.  However, we must confess and repent this sin and continue to walk in the light.  This is a practice I would love to see us adopt more so.  Imagine if we all confessed and moved forward openly to change and to have Him lead us to the truth!  Man, our lives would be different and our group would be amazing.  Let us yearn for this and then make it happen!