2 John Chapter 1
A short letter, yet with very strong and important reminders to us who seek to abide in the Lord.
We may be complete strangers, with different nationalities, cultures and residing in different parts of the world. But once we are baptized into Christ, we are joined together as one. We are joined not only through the blood of our Lord, we are joined also by His word, the Truth.
It is thus by this principle, “of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever”, that Elder John expresses his foremost concern about whether the beloved are walking in the truth.
Do we have the same mind as Elder john, in having this thought as the utmost priority that one walks in the truth? While it is natural (and necessary) for our daily concerns to focus on our children’s physiological and psychological development, do we lose sight and undermine that which should be topmost in our minds, in our pursuit of the former?
Do we share the same great joy as Elder John when we see the bright sparkle of faith in our children, even though they may not have done as well as others, nor achieve as much success as their peers. In fact, by worldly standards, they do not meet the bar. Do we share the same concerns and worries, when our children falter in their faith? Earnestly seeking to restore and rekindle through our words, actions and prayers.
Do we also comprehend the rationale in Elder John’s instruction “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” We may feel that such instructions are overly strict and lacking in compassion. Wouldn’t it be impolite if I do not even say hello to the person but to ignore him totally. Elderly John is one who knows very well what Christian love is. In fact, he is probably one of the most qualified to tell us about love in the eyes of God.
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.”
In line with Elder John’s main concern that one walks in the truth to the end, he wants us to be vigilant always and to guard our salvation. When we follow Elder John’s instructions, we may appear cold and unloving to others, we may appear stand-offish and arrogant, and we may even incur the criticism and displeasure of others. But we know that we do all these because of our need to protect and safeguard those around us. Just like in the story of the 3 little pigs, would we say that the pigs are terrible hosts because they did not invite the wolf into their house for tea or house warming? We would rather ridicule the pigs if they were to do so. We would also advise the pigs to stay more than an arm’s length away from the wolf, no matter what pleasantries the wolf plies in encouragement.
Finally with a tinge of sadness, we note that there are actually more rich sayings that Elder John has, but he does not want to do so with ink and paper. Elder John has however touch on what is likely his key message. May we hold fast to these words and carefully ponder over them. May the Lord guide us.
