And how can we be sure that we belong to him? By obeying his commandments. If someone says, "I belong to God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God's word really do love him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did. 1 John 2:3-6
I am a serious all-out soccer expert! All my friends know how serious I am about the sport because they hear me talk about all the latest moves, they see my latest soccer equipment and clothing, and they know I'm way into soccer.
There is one problem. It's a little embarrassing to admit but…I don't actually play soccer. I guess playing is just a technicality, right? I've always had a problem listening to what the coach tells me to do. Since I know pretty much everything there is to know about soccer—I've read about it and heard about it—why should I have to actually do what some coach says? Why should I have to show up for practice when I already know practically all there is to know? I'm up on what to do from reading and watching others.
Okay, so that scenario seems a little ridiculous, but the fact is that there are many Christians today who know all about their faith. They've read and studied the Bible, they've sat in church and listened about how to be a Christian, but they still have yet to obey and follow the Coach on the practice field of life. They are still trying to do it their own way—to live for themselves on the sidelines instead of getting in the game. They are an expert at Christianity, but they don't have any game experience.
Where are you today? Are you sitting on the sidelines, studying the game with all kinds of head knowledge about your faith, but no intent of showing up for practice and getting the game experience?
The Bible is clear. Unless you submit to the Coach and get in the game, you're not really a true player. You may be a sidelines expert, but you don't know a thing about the real game until you've played all out for the Coach.
P.S. In real life, I know hardly anything about soccer…just a silly example!