What will give you confidence to face the Judge of all the earth? This is the question John grapples with as he encourages his readers to abide in Christ. Only a life rooted in the rhythms of the Father will produce the fruit that will allow us to stand boldly before Him on Judgement Day.
Through the simple acts of praying, reading Scripture, and regularly gathering with other believers, we open ourselves up to His transforming power that over time shapes us into His image. As we are conformed to Christ, we begin to reflect His character in our relationships with others, treating all with the righteousness, fairness and generosity of our Heavenly Father. What would it look like if we conducted every interaction – with families, coworkers and strangers – in a way that pointed them to the One who has called us His beloved children?
This is the life John longs for his readers, and for us: a daily abiding in Christ that overflows into a righteousness resembling His own.
- To have confidence on Judgement Day, abide in Christ daily through spiritual disciplines and a rule of life
- Understanding Judgment Day as a day when God sets things right allows us to eagerly anticipate it
- Reflecting the righteousness of God means conducting all relationships with fairness, generosity and equity – living out our heavenly Father’s character
As you head into this work week, remember that the only righteousness that matters comes from knowing the Father. When you reflect His righteousness in how you treat others, you bring about His kingdom here on earth. Go forth and build relationships of compassion, grace and truth that point people to the one who gives you an unshakeable righteousness.