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.
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