1 JOHN 2:3-4

By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;

1 JOHN 2:3-4 NLT

These “harsh words,” spoken by John are necessary truths of knowing God bears fruit in our lives. To know him is to live like him. To live like him is to do as he would do. This isn’t a call to live in Jerusalem or be a carpenter. It is a call to act with the biblically defined Character or God wherever you live or whatever profession you possess. Those who use the jargon of Christ but without the wisdom of Christ are counterfeit Christians. Being his disciple means understanding his commands and wrestling with the unique way in which you can live them out. His followers do not need to be perfect in this, but, to be honest, they do need to be “being perfected” to not be lying. All who are are honestly in process of being perfected into following his will are brothers and sisters. Here we find ourselves in league with Christ’s true followers. His disciples were made up of a colorful band of personalities and professions striving to honestly give it all to Christ. This type of honesty can not be made up of liars. It requires absolute honesty. The proof of this is in a Christian’s willingness to sacrifice for God and each other. On the day of judgement, one way or another, we all prove the truth of our faith with our very lives.