What Makes Jesus Tick?
Text: 1 John 2:3
Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments (NRSV)
I have talked before about the difference between knowing information about something or someone and truly being in relationship with an individual and knowing them. One might even use the expression, “I know what makes that person tick.” What we mean by that is that we know how that person thinks, what their preferences are, what their motivations are, how they process information, what their likes and dislikes are, and so on and so forth.
John seems to be saying that we can be sure we know what makes Jesus tick, if we live as he has told us to live. Remember, for those of us who have claimed Jesus as Lord and Savior, what we have really said is that we will obey Jesus. That is the “Lord” part. So, obeying Jesus would mean that we truly understand what Jesus wants from us, what Jesus’ preferences are when we run into any situation, what Jesus’ likes and dislikes are; in other words, what makes Jesus tick.
It is not enough to call Jesus Lord and then go and do our own thing. In fact, Jesus said in Mathew 16:24, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” This is a clear call to put away our own wants, preferences, likes and dislikes in order to obey the commands that come from Jesus.
Do you know what makes Jesus tick? Have you spent enough time in prayer, Bible reading, small group discussions with other Christians, and personal time alone in the presence of God to truly know Jesus? Have you really made Jesus your Lord or is that only what you call him?
Pray with me:
Lord and Savior speak into my heart that I might know your will and your way. Teach me all about you that I might chose to do your will in any and all situations in which I find myself. May I live my life in such a way that brings honor and glory to you always. AMEN.
Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments (NRSV)
I have talked before about the difference between knowing information about something or someone and truly being in relationship with an individual and knowing them. One might even use the expression, “I know what makes that person tick.” What we mean by that is that we know how that person thinks, what their preferences are, what their motivations are, how they process information, what their likes and dislikes are, and so on and so forth.
John seems to be saying that we can be sure we know what makes Jesus tick, if we live as he has told us to live. Remember, for those of us who have claimed Jesus as Lord and Savior, what we have really said is that we will obey Jesus. That is the “Lord” part. So, obeying Jesus would mean that we truly understand what Jesus wants from us, what Jesus’ preferences are when we run into any situation, what Jesus’ likes and dislikes are; in other words, what makes Jesus tick.
It is not enough to call Jesus Lord and then go and do our own thing. In fact, Jesus said in Mathew 16:24, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” This is a clear call to put away our own wants, preferences, likes and dislikes in order to obey the commands that come from Jesus.
Do you know what makes Jesus tick? Have you spent enough time in prayer, Bible reading, small group discussions with other Christians, and personal time alone in the presence of God to truly know Jesus? Have you really made Jesus your Lord or is that only what you call him?
Pray with me:
Lord and Savior speak into my heart that I might know your will and your way. Teach me all about you that I might chose to do your will in any and all situations in which I find myself. May I live my life in such a way that brings honor and glory to you always. AMEN.
Recent
Archive
2021
January
Christ In MeIt's A StruggleLiving Out the MessageWhere is Your Heart?Why Give?Do Not be AfraidBlessed AssuranceDon't Leave it up to ChanceIntentional Self-CareTrust and FaithHave I been Crucified with Christ?Burning HeartsSolid FoodTo God be the GloryThe Friend of the BridegroomPure HeartsSeeing God EverywhereIs There No One to Intervene?Teach Me To PrayRedeeming the BadIncomparable GloryCare for God's CreationLife that is Really LifeOperating out of LoveBroken ChainsGod's Gift of GracePay it ForwardFrom Alien to CitizenRooted and Grounded in LoveDoes Jesus Still Weep?
February
Welcomed with LoveFaith DemonstratedLove When I Mess-UpWhat is the Source of my Words?Healing Found in ConfessionExperience is BelievingHoly LivingFrom Fall to GloryGrowing into our SalvationMy Life as a Beacon of LightJoining the People of GodExiles from the Broken WorldLet it GoDon't Get EatenTo Know or to KnowRepetition of the WordMyths or Personal ExperienceGod's TruthEyes to SeeLooking God in the EyeSelf-DeceptionForgive Me My SinWhat Makes Jesus Tick?Don't be Drawn AwayChild of GodJoyous Extravagant GenerosityActing Out TruthLove Restored
March
No Fear in LoveDon't Worry be HappyWorries and DistractionsDon't Be SuperficialSimplifyWorshipDo No HarmSpiritual HealingWhy Not Bring Them to Jesus?Self-CareLooking for JesusWhat's NextHunger for the WordGod Knows BestPrioritiesStaying CenteredThinking Outside of the BoxThe Impact of My Faith100% + 100% = 100%Seeing Strange ThingsAll Are WelcomeThrow a Party!Worthy of Receiving and Giving LoveLOLRecreating With New ClothRulesTake it to the LordTotal DependenceWhat Spills Out of You?Enough SaidThe Faith of an Ousider
Categories
no categories
No Comments