There is only one
chapter in Jude, but hidden in that little book are some wisdom to remember.
This verse reminds us that once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the
journey does not end there. Our Christian walk is an active one where we must
constantly work at it. There are four distinct parts to this verse and I will
touch on each one…
1. Building yourselves
up on your most holy faith
The saying “Rome wasn't built
in a day” applies here as well. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, our
foundation becomes Christ, but we need to continually build on that. Our work
is never done; we will have a mansion, but it isn't built until we reach
Heaven. I am not talking about earning our way into Heaven by our works either;
I am talking about building our faith so that we are always growing closer in
our relationship in God. By having your
faith properly placed in Jesus, talking with Him regularly and being grounded
in His Word, you will grow and build in your relationship in Him as well as in
your testimony to others for Him.
2. Praying in the Holy Spirit
Our prayer life should
be an active part of our Christian walk and when we pray it should always be in
the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches us to pray, acknowledging
that all things come from God, leading and guiding us in truth, and giving us a
heart of worship. In Romans 8:26 it says the Spirit even intercedes for us when
we don’t know what to say. Praying with the Holy Spirit is a prayer of faith,
obedience, and praise as well as strengthens our relationship with the Lord.
3. Keep yourselves in
the love of God
In Romans 8:38-39, Paul reminds
us that absolutely nothing than separate us from the love of God that is found
in Jesus. There are so many distractions that continually try to pull us away
from Christ, but the closer we remain to our Lord, the less affect the world
has on us. The best way to keep in the love of God is to abide in Him and hold
on your faith by praying, being obedient, and not allowing your circumstances
to convince you that God does not love you. Paul says that God loves you no
matter what, but Jude wants us to remind ourselves and keep focused on that every
day.
4. Looking for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life
Here is the key to the
entire verse, without the mercy of Lord and Savior; we can’t achieve anything
in our own spiritual life. Only through His mercy can we live for Him; only
through His mercy can we build we found building, praying, and keeping. We need
to constantly look to Jesus with repentant and humble hearts for His mercy and
be forever grateful that He gives it to us because without it, we would have no
hope for our eternal life. What an amazing God we have for that! J
Those are the four
commands, all different but all very much intertwined and needed in maintaining
a close and healthy relationship with Christ.
Lord, Thank you for
reminding me that I need to continually strive to grow in my relationship with
you. I ask that you fill me with your Spirit and help me to walk by faith so
that I may build up my life according to your will and making my testimony shine
for your glory and for others to see and desire. I thank you for your never
failing love and help me to remember and keep my eyes focused on that. I am at
your feet Lord; humbly and repentant praising you and thanking you for your
mercy that I so lovingly give to me who is so unworthy of it. I pray all this
in your precious name Jesus. Amen
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