Author: Jon Wellman

My family and I just got back from vacation. Eight states and 1,925 miles. We had a blast at the beach.

The kids had a great time. Our boy, Tony, had been to the beach before, and he was hitting the surf hard with his boogie board from go.

It was my three-year-old daughter Lydia’s first time at the shore. By the end of the week, she was running out into the surf and climbing down into the baby pool before we noticed she was gone.

Once she started getting in the water, she had a blast. But she didn’t start the week that way. She was pretty timid at first, barely wanting to get her toes wet, crying at every mention of the water.

On the way back home, we stopped in Kentucky to visit my family. As often happens when talking with my mom, the conversation turned to church-related subjects. We talked about the new sermon series at church entitled Characteristics of an Unhealthy Church. It’s about what it takes for a body of believers to be spiritually healthy, fully devoted to God’s perfect will.

As we were talking, it occurred to me that most Christians approach their walk the way my daughter approached the ocean.

Timid.

Unsure.

Not fully invested.

Scared.

As a result, they never fully realize their potential spiritually, nor do they know the close relationship with Jesus that is possible. It’s not until they let go of their insecurities and desire for control that they can fully enjoy what a life depending on God can provide.

Is it dangerous to follow God? It can be, yes. But the alternative is much more frightening. And the benefits of a devoted Christian life are eternal. Literally.

Dive in.

In my quiet time this morning, I decided to begin reading 1 John. Most of us are probably familiar with 1 John 1:9.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Powerful words. But that isn’t what hit me this morning.

I couldn’t get past verse 6.

“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

I read that verse over and over. I took it apart.

“If we say we have fellowship with him…” – I have been a Christian for 29 years this July. I know what to say. I can talk the talk.

“…while we walk in darkness,…” – Darkness = sin. Walking in darkness implies a period of time in known, unrepented sin.

“…we lie…” – Lying strikes at the heart of God. He knows the truth of our very thoughts and intentions. Our pride prompts us to put on a “church face” at times.

“…and do not practice the truth.” – Any time scripture repeats itself (or seemingly repeats itself), we should take notice. But this phrase seems to do more than reiterate the prior statement. It seems to speak to a propensity toward dishonest living.

Sadly, we all go through seasons of being at an arms length from our God. Sometimes we do this intentionally, via rebellion. But sometimes we do it by lack of attention. We slide, slowly at first.

I won’t skim past this verse again. A powerful reminder to be vigilant, prayed up, on guard, and honest before our God and others.