The Real Deal

"Our actions show that we belong to the truth..." 1 John 3:19

It hit me so suddenly late last night that I could not believe I had failed to see it. I had done something so unintentionally that now caused me to worry I had upset someone. Early this morning I wrote to the one impacted by my actions of oblivion and expressed my sorrow for neglecting to consider them. They responded so quickly and with such grace. They shared that they had not even noticed my unconscious oversight and encouraged me not to think any further about it. But think on it I will, not to dwell on my thoughtlessness, but Lord willing to spur me on to act better given the next opportunity. Oh how I long to live Jesus better before others, so that they see Him and not me.

Our activity testifies to the truth we hold dear. Over twenty years ago our lead Pastor at that time, Dr. Rev. Rick Baker, shared a sermon entitled, "Are You the Real Deal?" In his message he shared four proofs that serve as tests of authenticity. We find all these proofs in 1 John.

1. Right Choices: The Moral Test (1 John 2:3-6)

Too often our tendency is to be selective in our obedience. We do what is easy and convenient or what seems "important". We obey "Thou shall not murder" and "Thou shall not steal", but what about other calls to obedience? Do we obey in the area of tithing? Have we considered whether we are stealing another's reputation? Each act of obedience moves us one step closer to Jesus.

2. Right Love: The Social Test (1 John 2:7-17)

A selfless love saves us from stumbling (2:10). A seductive love leads us to sin (2:15-17). A couple of tests for true love are found in answering the following two questions: How easily am I offended? And How quickly do I diminish other's accomplishments? How telling it is if we are slighted and the slightest remark. We also might not belittle or discredit the achievements of others openly, but suddenly sharing all our personal accolades devalues the one who reached a milestone. A one-upmanship is not the right love.

3. Right Belief: The Doctrinal Test (1 John 2:18-28).

We are to remain in community (2:19); remain in original teaching (2:24); and remain in Christ (2:24, 27). Are we gathering with God's people, staying in the truth we have been taught, and abiding in the Lord? A friend's granddaughter often tells her grandma, "Stay right there". This precious little one does not want her grandma to wander away. God is telling us to hold to His truth and "stay right there".

4. Right Living: The Parentage Test (1 John 2:29-3:10)

We should show evidence of some family resemblance. The DNA of God is placed in us at salvation and it cannot be removed. Do our lives reflect our Father?

Jesus obeyed the Father, loved people, believed doctrine and lived right. Our life is the best proof of Christianity. Are we the "real deal"?

(Thoughts today taken from old sermon note journals.)