As Christians we must not be actors
"My little children, let us not love in word or
in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John
3:18).
As Christians we must not be actors. We must be
the real thing. An actor is only a representation
of the true image. But an actor is not the true
image. Let me explain.
In the movie, The Ten Commandments, directed by
Cecil B. DeMille, the actor who played the part
of Moses in this internationally acclaimed movie
was Charlton Heston. Charlton Heston dressed up
like Moses. He said the things that Moses said.
He portrayed the actions and the essence of Moses
for the wide screen. But one thing we know for
sure – Charlton Heston was not Moses. He was only
an actor pretending to be something that in
reality he was not.
The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:18 that when we
love, we are not to act like we love, but we must
love in truth. We know that Jesus commanded us to
love. He said in Mark chapter twelve that there
was no commandment greater than for us to love
one another in the same way He loved us. This is
a commandment and to obey this commandment is
honorable. But we must grow in God’s love to the
extent that we are not doing it because it is a
command, but we love out of the fullness of the
love that is in our heart.
Ephesians 5:1 tells us that we are to be like
God. God created us in His image and He wants us
to be like Him. God Himself is love. He is not
full of hate, envy, or strife. He does not murder
nor is He the destroyer. He is full of love and
compassion and expects us to be just like Him.
I have six young grandchildren. I know this seems
impossible because I look so young, but believe
me it’s true! I actually have six grandchildren!
As a good grandpa, I have taught my grandchildren
to love. But it warms my heart so much when they
come to me and say, "I love you, Grandfoddah."
And when they go to each other and give each
other a hug without my instructions, it pleases
me to see them love out of their heart instead of
only being obedient to a command.
Yes, it is true that as Christians we are
commanded to love, but it warms the Father’s
heart to see His children walk in love on their
own as a result of the love of God that has been
shed abroad in their hearts.
Posted 23:21
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