Devotional (July 1, 2009)

 1 John 3:10

" In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor he who does not love his brother."

  First, let me start out by defining what John means here by saying "children of the devil". In v8 of the same chapter we are told that "the person who sins, is of the devil. Because the devil has also sinned from the beginning." So he doesn't mean child by paternity, but rather child by association (from sinning) or child- because of mentality and lifestyle. This then, includes all of mankind...because "all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God." There is not a soul on this earth that has not sinned at least one time in their life. So then, you are defined as a "child of the devil" by the author, "the apostle John".

To be a "child of God" you must be born again by the spirit of God...as it talks about in John 3, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." And of course, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual birth not a physical birth because that is humanly impossible...and I think, a bit weird to think about. How in the world could a grown man be re-born? I don't know....I suggest not thinking to hard about it because Jesus didn't imply that anyway...as he said, "he must be spiritually re-born."

So with that understood...we have the definition of a child of God and child of the devil.

We all must be careful of our sinful nature. Stand watch, because "as we say" sin comes so naturally- BUT sin is not of God. "If" in your life today you see lots of sin manifesting like: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, drunkenness, revelries, and the like, then evaluate what you are filling your mind with each day. What you are involving in or practicing daily, and what kind of people do you associate with.

If you are a "child of God" then we live in the Spirit, and let us also walk in the Spirit. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. The fruit of the Spirit are: love, joy, peace, kindness, longsuffering, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Do you see evidence of the Spirit working in YOUR LIFE?

A distinguishing mark of Christians today, is the love they have one for another, but unfortunately most of the Christians today lack the other distinguishing mark that separates us from the world, and that is... that we do not practice righteousness in our lives to the extent that makes us different from our neighbors.

If you feel that your life is being lived in the Spirit to its fullest potential, then PTL. Keep up the good work! If not, like most of us, then take some time today to evaluate how you are living your life, and what is important to you. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. As a "child of God" love your neighbor as yourself, love in deed and truth, practice righteousness, and let the Spirit of God preside in all you think, say, and do.