“By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3

My whole family was here over the weekend and I just knew something was up! I heard a bunch of ‘guy’ laughter, then saw my grandson, eyes bugging out of his head, guzzling milk. Last I remembered, he didn’t even like milk! But I couldn’t tell it by the speed with which he drank! In between gulps I asked what was going on. Apparently my 2 tough guy sons had issued a hot nut or chip challenge… and grandson took it!

I know this wasn’t the big hot ‘Pique’ chip challenge that everyone talks about. It was a smaller and minor challenge issued to see who was tough enough to handle the pain. But it was also a challenge to see who would dare try! Trying automatically led to handling! And a question popped into my head. Does God ever issue challenges to me like this? If so, what do they sound like?

Now I am ABSOLUTELY 100% PROUD of my 2 sons! They are BOTH tough guys for Jesus, which is more than any father could want to see from their sons. But when they get together and that little mischievous spark hits even one of their eyes… it’s “FLAME ON!” At my age, I have learned it’s best for me to just sit back and observe. It’s still fun to watch, but I don’t have to pay any price when things go awry!

The thoughtful question God popped into my head began to fester and get hotter as God wouldn’t let me escape the search for an answer. What would someone, who took up ‘The God Challenge,’ actually look like? If sweating, hollering and milk drinking were signs of someone who took the nut challenge, how would ‘I’ look if I took up God’s challenge? Would anyone even notice?

Last night in our Bible Study class, I was proud of the 30 people who showed up for hot dogs and apple pie. Just showing up was proof of their taking up God’s challenge! I can’t take part in His challenge if I’m not there! But I was even MORE proud as Mike led the group in the quest to define ‘Worship.’ I basically did what I do when my sons issue challenges… I simply watched the clock and took notes. And got surprised!

The discussion at Bible Study went on, nonstop, for almost an hour! In fact, I had to step in and halt it for time’s sake. But in the end, the summary came up with today’s Bible verse. If one wants to know, or see what it looks like to take up God’s challenge, the evidence is displayed in their keeping of His commandments! In other words… obedience! And NO MILK is even welcome or required!

Are YOU a doing, tough guy or gal for Jesus? Or just a watcher? Cuz He’s looking for evidence!