1 John 2:5b-6- By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.
There are many ways to measure knowledge. Before my driver’s license was renewed the State of California required me to take a written test on the rules of the road. By this, they knew I understood how to merge in a roundabout or when to dim my headlights at night as an oncoming car approached.
A few months ago, I made an apple pie to take on a visit with my mom. When my brother saw the pie, he was astonished at how ‘professional’ it looked. “I thought you bought it,” he said. “I didn’t know you were such a good baker.” The pie was evidence of my baking skills. By this, he knew I could bake desserts.
The Apostle John tells us there is a way to know we abide in Christ. We walk in the same way He walked. This is why it is so important to take the time to get to know Jesus. There are many examples of the works Jesus did, but walking in the same way Jesus walked isn’t necessarily doing exactly what He did. It is doing it in the same way He does it, with love, grace, patience, compassion, and concern for others.
Reflecting Jesus’ Attributes
We may not be able to list all the characteristics Jesus exhibited in his time on earth, but for some reason we know when someone imitates Jesus. While my husband and I were securing the eight-foot lights in the bed of our pickup truck for the drive home from the hardware store, another truck pulled into the parking space next to us quite close to the driver’s side door.
When the man exited his truck he hollered, “Am I parked too close? Can you get in?”
It was a question of concern for another human being, an example of caring. My husband answered, “Thanks for asking, I’ll make it.”
“God bless you!” he answered.
“He has greatly,” said my husband.
“Me too!” replied the man.
As we drove away, I told my husband it was great to see Christians glorify Christ with their behavior. Graciousness is an attribute of Jesus.
In His Word
In 1 John 2:3-6 the author offers a test for proving we know Jesus. We keep His commandments. To claim to know Jesus without obeying Him is a lie because the truth is not in us. Just as I studied for my driving test to learn the laws that make roadways safe, we study the Bible to learn all that Jesus commands-His instructions for walking as He did.
Often they are contrary to our natural inclinations. If they weren’t He wouldn’t have to tell us. John provides insight into a basic characteristic that every Christian should exhibit if they are abiding in Christ… agape love. He tells us this love, the love of God, is perfected when we keep His word.
I have this quote from Jen Wilkin’s book Ten Words pinned on the bulletin board in front of my desk. “To obey the law is to look like Jesus Christ. While legalism builds self-righteousness, lawfulness builds righteousness.”
Walking It Out
The commandments aren’t consistently walked out until our character is changed. When our godly response is automatic rather than prompted by careful thought, we know we have been transformed. The Holy Spirit is our helper, but it’s important to consciously practice what we learn until it becomes part of our nature.
It is like learning to type. While we are memorizing the keyboard, we look for the letters as we slowly peck out the words. But once we have mastered typing, we don’t even think about the letters.
As we read our Bibles let’s look for the ways Jesus walked, the examples He set for patience, kindness, exhorting, guiding, and inviting people to Kingdom living.
© 2025 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved