I John 3:24 “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”
I love being a Texan! I think Texans are some of the greatest people in the world. They are friendly, fun, generous, and plain-spoken. I have friends in other states, even in other countries who are just as wonderful, but they aren’t Texans. They might be friendly, fun, generous and plain-spoken. They might even learn to speak with a Texas drawl! But although they may be all those things, they still won’t really be Texans, because they don’t actually live in Texas.
Many of us struggle with obedience, wondering how in the world we can ever measure up to God’s commands. We try to please God by obeying Him, but we often fail. That’s because obedience doesn’t make us more of a Christian. It’s not about what we do. It’s about where we live.
The focus of this verse should not be on obedience; it should be on living in Him. How do we live in Him? We live in Him by spending time in His Word, and in prayer. We live in Him by walking with Him daily. We live in Him by loving Him.
Then, the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, will help us to obey! The more we live in Him, spend time with Him, walk with Him, the more in tune we are to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. When we live in Him, we actively seek to listen to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. It is through this relationship that God changes our hearts, conforms us into His image, and makes it possible for us to live in obedience to Him.
Dear Father, I want to live in You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who helps me to grow in my relationship with You.
Amen
Praise God! I live in Him eternally.
Jean