As the doctor puts the thermometer in your mouth, you sit patiently waiting to see what the temperature will read. If it is high, then you have a fever and need treatment. The thermometer does not cause the illness, it merely tells you if illness is present. Read this passage and see what thermometer we have for our faith:
1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God by carrying out his commands.
1 John 5:1-2
The “thermometer” given in this passage is this: loving God by carrying out, or obeying His commands. Just like a thermometer does make you sick, but tells you if you are sick, obeying God’s commands does not make you a Christian but tells you if you really are a Christian.
If the thermometer reads a high temperature, you will likely try to treat your fever. In the same way, if you are doing things you know are wrong, or if you are not doing things you know God wants you to do, it is time to treat the illness in your relationship with Christ. I am not saying that you are not a Christian, but that it is worth getting a check-up.
Try these 'diagnostic' questions as a check-up:
How are you doing in your walk? Are you obeying the commands that God has for you?
What are some changes you can make in your life to honor God’s commands?
Can you think of any “treatments” that would help you keep these commands (like an accountability partner or a book dealing with your particular issue)?
Pray and ask God to reveal ways that you can be more faithful and obedient to His commands.
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