We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life.                   – 1 John 1:1-2 (New Living Translation)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

How many of us believe the current event stories we hear weekly on our radios, read in the papers and watch on television? Do you think the stories are accurate? Do you believe in the reporters? It requires some faith from us to believe in that news story and often times we tend to share it with others wherever our day may take us.

Led by the Holy Spirit, the disciple John (“the one whom Jesus loved”) felt it necessary to write this letter to the Christians living in a Roman empire who desired to exacerbate their faith daily. Many victories were won in the Christians surviving severe persecution but many were beginning to compromise their faith and conform to the world’s standards. False teachers were at an all-time high and the church was on a downward slide away from the Christian faith. The Christians began to grow complacent with the faith and a reminder was needed to encourage the believers to get back on track.

This testimony from John was a sure testimony. There was no falsehood in his account. For he ate with Jesus, talked with him, heard many of his sermons and saw many of his miracles. John even stayed at the foot of the cross when Jesus was being crucified and never left his side. He wanted to assure true believers that they possessed eternal life and remind them that their faith was genuine so that they could enjoy all the benefits of being God’s children.

However, it would take them to truly live like Christians and not like the world. Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14 For this kind of fellowship is exactly what weakens the Christian commitment, integrity, or standards.

A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ and “whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”-1 John 2:6  To walk today as Christ did we must obey his teachings and follow his example of complete obedience to God and loving service to people. My friend, I challenge you to remember the testimony that was once given to you that brought you into the family of God when you trusted in Jesus as your Savior. In fact, remember your own testimony that while you were yet still a sinner, Christ died for you. –Romans 5:8

Is that not a good enough reason to tell others of his great love? There’s more work to do and people are starving for the Gospel message that could save their souls. I pray that you will continue to share your faith and strengthen your testimony as you live in a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen. Be blessed.

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.