Creator, Father, King #343

I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.

HAVE YOU EVER TAKEN a walk on the beach at sunset? Few things in life are as relaxing. Have you ever walked in the park on a sunny afternoon? That’s good, too! Have you ever taken a walk in the woods? Not a bad idea either—unless, of course, you’re Little Red Riding Hood. (Just stay on that path, Red.)

Today’s verse, from the letter known as 2 John, gives all Christians unique walking instructions. As Christ followers, we must be “walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” This is what the apostle John’s entire letter is about.

Naturally, this leads to two questions: What is the truth, and how do we walk in it?

What’s It Mean?

In a world filled with endless religions, ideologies, and opinions, it’s crucial to understand that absolute truth exists—and Someone defines it for us. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, emphasis added; see also the August 9–12 devotions). Likewise, in his “High Priestly Prayer,” Jesus prayed the following to the Father for all believers: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17, ESV).

Truth, ultimately, comes from God, and he graciously reveals it to us through Jesus and Scripture. To walk in the truth is to obey God by trusting in Jesus and living in obedience to the Lord through his Word.

How do we do this on a daily basis? Here are three thoughts based on John’s second epistle:

• Love one another (verse 6). This speaks to our relationship with others. When we joyfully sacrifice our needs for the good of others, we reflect God’s character.
• Be diligent so that you receive your full reward (verse 8). This speaks to a lifetime of faithful obedience to God, as we seek his glory and the promise of eternal blessings in heaven.
• Be someone who remains in the teaching of Christ (verse 9). This speaks to a lifetime of faithful doctrine, exhorting us never to fall into disbelief, heresy, or rebellion.

Don’t walk in darkness, lies, sin—or in the woods with big, bad wolves! Walk in the truth, just as God commanded us.

Now What?

Read Romans 1:18-32 to see a description of those who have “traded the truth of God for a lie” (verse 25).

Did You Know?

John addressed his second epistle to “the chosen lady and to her children” (verse 1), likely code language for a church.