Keep yourselves…
That’s an interesting phrase.
Because most of us have spent our lives thinking about God keeping us.
God holding us.
God protecting us.
God refusing to let go.
And then Jude says…
“Keep yourselves in the love of God.”
Wait.
If God loves me…
What exactly am I supposed to keep?
Maybe the question isn’t whether God keeps loving us.
Maybe the question is…
Where have I been keeping myself?
Think about a carton of milk.
It says,
KEEP REFRIGERATED.
Why?
Because that’s where milk stays fresh.
Leave it on the counter…
And eventually…
It sours.
Not because someone is angry at the milk.
Not because the milk is being punished.
It simply isn’t where it was made to be.
It isn’t a rule.
It’s a rescue.
Milk belongs there.
That’s where it flourishes.
Jude says,
“Keep yourselves in the love of God.”
Why?
Because God’s love is where your soul flourishes.
Jesus says something that sounds strangely familiar.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
People hear that and think…
Rules.
Requirements.
Religion.
But what if we’ve misunderstood?
What if commandments aren’t a ladder to climb…
But directions home?
What if Jesus isn’t saying,
“Earn My love.”
What if He’s saying,
“Stay here.”
Forgive.
Stay here.
Trust.
Stay here.
Tell the truth.
Stay here.
Refuse idols.
Stay here.
Love your neighbor.
Stay here.
Love your enemy.
Stay here.
Every command…
Is an invitation.
Remain.
Don’t wander.
There is life here.
Jude has already shown us what happens when people choose somewhere else.
Israel.
The angels.
Sodom and Gomorrah.
Different stories.
Same decision.
They stepped outside the life God was inviting them into.
Something else looked better.
Closer.
Faster.
More satisfying.
For a moment.
Isn’t that always the promise?
Just for a moment.
Here’s what’s fascinating.
You are always keeping yourself somewhere.
Always.
No one is standing still.
Every habit.
Every conversation.
Every secret.
Every act of forgiveness.
Every compromise.
Every quiet decision no one else ever sees.
You are becoming.
Every day.
Every yes.
Every no.
You are becoming.
Because whatever you choose to live in…
Eventually…
Lives in you.
Fear does.
Anger does.
Pride does.
Love does too.
Maybe that’s why Jesus talked so much about abiding.
Remaining.
Following.
Keeping.
Staying.
Because love isn’t simply something God feels toward you.
It’s the place your soul was created to live.
Stay there.
A little longer.
And then longer still.
One day you’ll notice…
You forgive more quickly.
You trust more deeply.
You love people you never thought you could.
And somewhere…
In all that remaining…
In all that staying…
His heart…
Will become yours.
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