In 1 John 4:17, the Apostle John wrote - "Love has been perfected among us in this; that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world." (NKJV)

Now, I'd like to start by looking at this verse backwards. So let's look at the last part of this verse first, and then move back to the first part. The last part of 1 John 4:17 says, "...Because as He is, so are we in this world."

I don't pretend to be an expert on the English Language. But I know enough about it to know what metaphors and similes are. A metaphor is used in English to describe or paint a picture of something or someone (without using the words "like" or "as"). An example of a metaphor would be, "He is a lion among men." Or, "He is a wolf in sheep's clothing." A simile, on the other hand, uses the words "like" or "as" to paint a picture.

Consider how the following similes paint such vivid pictures of what I am describing -

Her blue eyes sparkled and dazzled like stars in a summer night's sky.

The cool autumn breezes whisked gently across her face, like kisses from a baby.

The snowy valley shown in the sunlight like a field full of diamonds.

Her spirit is free as a bird.

The autumn leaves shown with a fiery golden color in the sunlight, like the reflection of a beautiful ring.

Now consider how these similes don't make sense -

The stench of stinky socks and smelly feet filled the room, like the smell of freshly baked bread.

Her golden hair shown in the sunlight, like the dark of night.

The lukewarm coffee was so offensive to him, like the taste of cold water on a hot day.

The sound of her voice was beautifully pleasant, like fingernails grinding against a chalk board.

You see, the similes above don't make sense because they paint the wrong picture of the thing they are trying to describe.

The point of my demonstration is to show that similes only work when they paint the right picture. So when John told us that - "...as He (Jesus) is, so are we in the world" - he wasn't just trying to write something religious. He was attempting to describe how believers should look. He was saying that their lives must look so close to the life that Jesus lived (while He was on earth) that they can be directly compared to Him.

Sadly, when describing some "Christians" today, and comparing them to Jesus, they fall into the category of similes that don't make sense. Their lives and actions contradict the comparison to Christ's likeness and image. These people are "Christians" in name only, but not in lifestyle. They will not make heaven their home, unless they make some changes in their lives (repent).

Legend has it that, one day, Alexander the Great was riding his horse into Greece (coming home from a major conquest). As he rode, he noticed a mother and her son on the side of the road arguing. The son was obstinate and was treating his mother very rudely. When Alexander saw this, he quickly rode up to this young man. When he came up to where the boy was standing, he asked, "My boy, what is your name?" The boy (without realizing who he was addressing) replied, "It is Alexander, Sir." Then Alexander the Great looked at him with disgust and said, "If you cannot live like an Alexander, than change your name."

The legend above can be applied to Christians today. So many people have taken on the name or label of "Christian" - without living the life of one. I believe that God is looking at some people in the church world today and saying, "Either live like My Son lived, or change your name."

The name "Christian" means one who is like Christ, or a little Christ. The disciples of Jesus did not choose this title. Actually it was the world that selected this label for them - because they looked so much like Jesus, and talked so much about Him (Acts 11:26).

Now, let's look again at the last part of the text - "...As He is, so are we..." This verse has helped me when I have been tempted to do or say something that was not pleasing to the Lord. It is so simple, yet so profound. It is similar to the concept of asking, "What would Jesus do?"

Years ago, everyone wanted to wear bracelets, necklaces, rings, and t - shirts with the letters WWJD on them (What would Jesus do?). The concept was a good one, but soon it turned into a fad, and then died out. It was obvious that most of the people who were wearing the WWJD paraphernalia had never taken the time to open their Bibles and learn what Jesus would do. They only guessed what He would do, based on their imagination of Him.

But it is time - like never before - that we get a glimpse of who Jesus is, and what He did when He was on earth (from the pages of the Holy Bible). It's time we live up to the name - "Christian" - wherever we may be and with whomever we find ourselves. Whether we are at home, at school, at work, around friends, or wherever we may be, we must constantly remind ourselves that, "as He is, so are we."

"As He is, so are we" does not mean that we have to go around looking pious and religious. It simply means that Jesus is holy, so we should live holy. He doesn't sin, so we shouldn't sin. He was a good example, so we should be a good example. He loved the lost and preached the Gospel to them, so we should do the same.

In closing, let's look quickly at the rest of 1 John 4:17. Remember, we are moving from the end of the verse to the beginning; so let's look at the middle of this passage. It says - "...that we may have boldness in the day of judgment..."  (NKJV)

The Amplified Bible puts it this way - "...That we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him]..."

Today, the church world (for the most part) shrinks back from messages on the judgment of God or Judgment Day. People - by and large - can't handle this kind of preaching. It is not only not tickling to their ears, but it downright scares them. They don't like to hear about the fear of God or His holiness. They'd rather hear messages on how He is so accepting and loving. They'd rather think of Him as a benevolent old grandpa in the sky -than as the righteous Creator and Judge of the universe.

Why are the subjects of judgment and God's justice so unpopular in many churches? Could it be that many "Christians" in today's churches are not living "as He is,"  therefore they have no boldness or confidence to stand before Him. The thought of Judgment Day terrifies them. They shutter to think of a thrice holy God Who hates the sin that they coddle and excuse.

Sinners, outside of the church walls, also are afraid of Judgment Day. As I've witnessed, I've personally seen how nervous people get when it is mentioned. Some get loud and begin to mock - to cover up a convicted conscience. Others simply explain that they think their good works will out - weigh their bad ones when they stand before God.

I remember a woman calling into a radio talk - show (that I was listening to) the other day. She told the host, "The thought of eternity scares me. I don't know where I'll go when I die." The radio host was not a Christian, so he responded by giving the lady an anecdotal one - liner about death and then quickly proceeded to the next caller.

We, as true believers, can have boldness when we think of standing before God on Judgment Day. This boldness is not arrogance or self - righteous pride. It's not trust in our good works but in Christ's work. His work has saved us and changed our lives. As a result, we now live like Jesus. "As He is, so are we in this world." Therefore, we know that on Judgment Day, when we stand before Him, we'll look so much like Jesus that all of heaven will know that we are His.

The first part of 1 John 4:17 states - "Love has been perfected among us in this..." (NKJV)

I like how the King James Version renders this verse - "Herein is our love made perfect..."

Many years ago, a song was written that said, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love." People have been writing and speaking on peace, love, and joy in the world for many years. Yet, wars still exist. Terrorism, crime, and violence still plague many of the world's cities. The answer to the hate and violence today is the love of Jesus.

How do we get the love of Jesus? Do we cry out in prayer for it? Do we spend hours in church volunteering?

Preachers, do you want to love your congregations more? Married couples, do you want to love your spouses more? Christians, do you want to love the lost more?

Ask yourself today, "Am I living in this world, as He lives?"