"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." 3 John 1:11.
This Bible verse uses anyone twice. It is all-inclusive, and we must ask what about me, where do I fit in? Am I from God, or have I not seen him?
IMITATE
To imitate is to copy or reproduce. Children imitate parents, adults imitate teachers. Often we do not realize it, though sometimes it is intentional to learn skills and life lessons.
EVIL
Who would imitate evil? Evil hates God and is hated by God.
There are many ways to define evil.
* Sin or the results of sin.
* Rebellion from God.
* The opposite of good.
God does not do evil, so if you are doing evil, you are doing something God would not do; therefore, you have not seen God.
DO GOOD
God is good, so if you do good, you are doing what God does. Christ went about doing good, and he is an example of one who came from God. (Of course, Christ is much more than an example.)
HAS NOT SEEN GOD
The Bible teaches that no one can see God, but this past tense reference suggests it has happened in the life of one who does good.
There is more than one kind of seeing.
* You might see something up close or far away.
* You might see as in understanding an idea.
* You might see the doctor, meaning an encounter.
We cannot see God's face and live, but we can meet with God and experience Him. This requires faith and time. The Bible calls this being born again and starts a relationship through faith in God and the work of Christ on our behalf.
Our actions show what is inside. Doing good won't bring us to God but are the evidence of the truth within. They show we are imitating God, and He is in our life. To learn how to have God in your life, CLICK HERE to see my other blog about the plan of salvation.
Footnote:
A person who does not believe in God could be from God. God could send a person that is not a believer to be a blessing to you. You may have a lifesaving operation though the doctor may not be a believer; he lives and has skills by God's enabling. We should be open to being blessed by anyone.
(c) Adron 1/25/16
