The Company We Keep (1 John 1:6-10)
“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:6-10)
When we send our children to school, we often say, “Be careful who you hang around because you will become like the company you keep.” This applies more than simply to our friends around the water cooler; this applies to our fellowship with God. Those who walk with God are changed from one degree to another by turning from sin and the works of darkness. But this raises a question, doesn’t it? How can we walk with God? God can sniff out our inconsistencies. In fact, he publishes them clearly in his Word – all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. What keeps us from living in terror, from seeking the darkness to hide from God’s just judgment?
John provides us an answer: “the blood of Jesus his Son cleans us from all sin.” The peace of God can only prevail in our hearts after being purified by his blood. We have been ransomed from darkness to light by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Oh, but the doubt and distrust in our hearts constantly asks, “What if? What if I sin? Won’t the just God punish me?” We know the rest, don’t we? We delay in repentance. We hide. We forsake his fellowship because of our fear. Let our passage ease our fears – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Not only does he forgive with finality, but God promises to cleanse us daily. The just God has executed judgment on Christ in our stead, and he will be faithful to forgive all who call upon the name of Christ. That is the type of company worth keeping.
