Obey His Commandments

May 8

Religionists think they have a corner on God. None of them would be shy about ‘sharing’ their version of who God really is with anyone willing to extend them the time to do so. They think they have all truth. Their doctrine may counter that of any official church, but it has been reasoned out in their own minds, so they’re sure it’s valid.

With so many religious claims and counter claims out there, how will an ordinary individual be able to sift through the conflicting versions of ‘truth’ to arrive at a formula that will allow him to practice his faith from a secure position that he can rest assured is the one that focuses on Heaven’s real treasure?

Nobody wants to be overtaken by a religious forgery. None of us who are seekers of truth wants to succumb to spiritual chicanery. So how can we assure that the leadership and the doctrine of the organization we decide to follow is worthy of the trust we place in them? After all, our personal eternity, and that of our children, hangs in the balance. The decision we make will impact our lives and theirs for time and eternity.

One excellent litmus test to apply to any group or individual that we consider following is the one given to us by the Apostle in I John 2:3 of his brief letter written to counter the claims that led to Gnosticism. Here he says, “We know we have truth if we obey His commandments.” We can apply that standard to the contradicting claims in the great pool of ideas that challenge us today--do those espousing them walk in obedience?