S)"11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God."
3 John 11 (NASB)
O) The second half of this verse cannot be any more clear. Doing good is through God, and He has no part in doing evil. Now, the first part is a little tougher to work out... I mean, how do we define "imitate"? In my mind, this falls under the "better safe than sorry" catagory. Obviously, if two kids are playing super-heroes and one of them decides to be the antagonist, I don't think that is, of itself, the evil that is mentioned in the latter half of the verse. On the other hand, it's my heart's desire that my son always wants to be the good guy. I don't like using the "slippery slope" argument, but this is almost applicable here. I mean, how long can you imitate before you start to emulate, and eventually admire...? And then, there are motives to contemplate. I mean, why would you want to be the bad guy, anyway? Bad guys are losers!
A) I actually discovered this verse a few years ago and it struck me then, too. Since, I've really taken it to heart and I really try to apply it to every area of my life, no matter how trivial. In more serious matters, like not getting drunk, or even really not drinking at all (plus it's a staff rule at church), but also when I play games like Overpower. I don't want to become legalistic or religious about it, though. I really feel like the exact measure to which people take this verse has some personal convictions involved. I know and accept that not everyone will feel quite like I do. And so, I'll also do my best not to use this verse as a JesusJuke.
P) Father, You are holy and so You call us (Your children and people) to be holy. You are also indescribably and immeasurably good. So, in addition to pursuing Your holiness in all aspects of my life, I will also pursue Your goodness. Holy Spirit, speak to me and give me discernment to know how, when, and where to really apply this verse. I know that there are times for rebuke, but there are also times for laughter and celebration and not acting like a pharisee. Use this verse to guide me in my life, God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
A) I actually discovered this verse a few years ago and it struck me then, too. Since, I've really taken it to heart and I really try to apply it to every area of my life, no matter how trivial. In more serious matters, like not getting drunk, or even really not drinking at all (plus it's a staff rule at church), but also when I play games like Overpower. I don't want to become legalistic or religious about it, though. I really feel like the exact measure to which people take this verse has some personal convictions involved. I know and accept that not everyone will feel quite like I do. And so, I'll also do my best not to use this verse as a JesusJuke.
P) Father, You are holy and so You call us (Your children and people) to be holy. You are also indescribably and immeasurably good. So, in addition to pursuing Your holiness in all aspects of my life, I will also pursue Your goodness. Holy Spirit, speak to me and give me discernment to know how, when, and where to really apply this verse. I know that there are times for rebuke, but there are also times for laughter and celebration and not acting like a pharisee. Use this verse to guide me in my life, God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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