1 Peter 2:3-6,  The way we can be sure we know Him is if we are obeying His commands.  Anyone who says, “I know Him,” but isn’t obeying His commands is a liar ~ the truth is not in Him.  But if someone keeps doing what He says, then truly love for God has been brought to its goal in him.  This is how we are sure that we are united with Him.  A person who claims to be continuing in union with Him ought to conduct his life the way He did.  (TCJSB)

Have you ever looked at a picture of an older couple who have been married for years and they seem to look alike?  I have even seen pictures of some people and their dogs that look alike ~ too funny.  But the point is, that couple has loved each other for so long ~ that they look like each other.  That is how we need to learn to love God!  We spend time getting to know every detail we can possibly get to know and we grow so deeply in love with Him that we look like Him!

This passage is not trying to make you legalistic with this set of rules in front of you that you religiously keep and hold everyone else to.  It is about knowing Him!  It’s about spending time with Him and falling so deeply in love with Him that your desires are the same as His.  Following Him comes naturally.  We are not perfect and we never will be while we live on this earth so this isn’t about perfection it is about loving Him and allowing His love to work in us so we can be more like Him.  Yes, we should strive to do what is right and make the best choices in our lives to honor Him, but doing it because you love Him so much is much more meaningful than doing it because you know you need to.  God knows our hearts so outward show doesn’t fool Him.  He wants your heart and when He has your heart He will help you with all the rest.  When you have accepted Him as your Savior the Holy Spirit lives within you and He will give you all you need to be who you should be but once again, it is all about how much you love Him and how much of your life you are willing to allow Him to guide you in.  

So, how much do you look like Him?  How much would you like to look like Him?  I would like to encourage you today to continue to pursue Him with your whole heart.  We can always learn more and learn to love Him more, and surrender more.  Give Him every area of your life, your friends, spouse, children, grandchildren, job, retirement ~ whatever it may be, just allow Him to have access to it to guide you.  If there’s anything in your life that you find you are clinging to and possibly loving more than Him ask Him to help you give them or it to Him.  Ask Him to show you anything today that is hindering you in your walk with Him.  He loves you so much and His desire is to lead you into all He created you to be!  Don’t miss out!

Quote:  “If what you believe doesn’t affect how you live then it isn’t very important.”  ~ Dick Nogleberg