IDENTIFICATION PLEASE

“When we obey God,
we are sure that we know him.”
I John 2:3
Contemporary English Version

There are various forms of identification today. There are passports, driver’s licenses and now the State ID card. With the rise of identity theft, there are more and more programs to monitor credit. When making a credit card purchase, a picture ID is required. Of course, the photo must match the person presenting the card. Many times the clerk does not verify the user or will only give the photo a cursory glance before completing the transaction.
God’s identification system is totally different. You can have the ordination or license credential card, JESUS t-shirt, ‘I Love Jesus’ bumper sticker and the Ichthus on the back of your car and yet not be recognized as a child of God. The only valid identification in the Kingdom of God is obedience to God’s commandments. Simply stated, keeping the commandments of God proves your identity as a citizen of the kingdom of God.
When going to God with petitions, we must have proper identification. John 9:31 says, “We all know that God does not listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships and obeys him.” We cannot complete kingdom transactions without the proper identification of obedience to God’s word.
Jesus asked, “So, why do you call me 'Lord,' when you won't obey me” (Luke 6:46)? The term LORD describes a person, “to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding.” When we call Him LORD, it means that we agree that He has ownership of our lives and He alone is the one who has decision-making power over our lives. It is an affront to God when we call him Lord and refuse to obey His word and conform to His will. Furthermore, it is an insult to Him for us to think we can operate in His authority or expect His favor upon our lives or when we disobey His word.

Obedience to God’s word:
1. Confirms your love for God (John 14:15);
2. Confirms you know him (I John 2:3);
3. Guarantees answered prayer (I John 3:22);
4. Ensures you will live well and prolongs life for you and your children (Deuteronomy 4:40).

The children of God, those in union with the Father and the Son, are identified by obeying the word of God. In order to complete kingdom transactions and claim the promises of His word, obedience is required. You can be sure God always verifies identification!