What if, like John, you don’t understand God’s advice?
The Bible says, "Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do" (Ephesians 6:1). It also says, "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success" (Proverbs 15:22). Any time you need to make a big decision in life, it is important to talk to your parents and some wise Christian leaders like your youth pastor or Sunday School teacher. They will often help you to understand why God is leading you in a particular direction.
What can we learn from John about knowing the truth?
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). And Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). We find the truth in the Bible, which is God's Word. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the truth, and He gives us the power to live truthfully.
What can we learn from John about pride and humility?
The Bible teaches us, “Don't think you are better than you really are” (Romans 12:3). Jesus said, “…those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). The Scripture says, “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). It also says, “[H]umble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6), and, “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).
Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’" (Matthew 22:37-39). Someone once said that, by following these commandments, we will have true J.O.Y. in our lives, which is an acronym for Jesus, Others, then Yourself.
