“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:3-4
Today’s Christian daily devotional
One of the biggest trade shows was in Chicago for the week and the strip club was a packed house.
The backstage was swirling with commotion: tattoos were being covered, fake eyelashes were being applied and a think haze of tanning spray made it almost impossible to breathe, let alone see.
Tossing back a Red Bull, I peek once more inside my locker door. It was plastered with the faces of the people I loved. Looking at them always made working a little bit easier and a little bit harder at the same time.
“The show must go on.” I mutter to myself while kicking the door shut with my Lucite heel.
Methodically walking down the steps, I attempt conserving as much energy as possible—feeling in my bones that this night was going to be one of those endless ones. Out–of-towners always seemed to give us dancers a real run for our money.
Weaving between customers I pony up to the bar, telling myself that another hit of caffeine was all that I needed before attempting to ask anyone for a dance.
“Skylar on stage next.” A voice bellows from the DJ booth.
“So much for procrastination.” I roll my eyes and speak to the stranger standing next to me.
“I’ll save you from going on stage.” He pays for his tab and summons a bouncer with a wave.
“How much to take care of this girl for the rest of the night?” He’s serious; I can tell by how fast he whips out his credit card.
What a stroke of luck for this early in the night! Usually it took a few hours and a few more cocktails for customers to be this accommodating.
“Skylar? What’s your night worth to you?” The bouncer’s eyes are shiny with greed; he knows he gets twenty percent.
“Six thousand.” I hardly bat my fake lashes.
“Done.” The man checks his watch. “Now let’s get some champagne.”
The bouncer fumbles looking for another girl to quickly fill my spot on stage.
As we both walk back to the VIP, the customer eyes my body carefully. It was as if he had just made a down payment on a new car. Of course, I was the car. It wasn’t something I enjoyed, but it was a reality I’ve grown accustomed to. Just another ‘perk’ that comes with the territory of the ‘glamorous’ world of exotic dancing.
The VIP host escorts us to the posh private area. After the server pops the cork and leaves, the stranger inches a bit closer.
“So, tell me your real name.” My stomach churns. Another thing I loathe about this job…
“Heidi.” I say dryly. With my dark hair and European/Asian looks, it’s easy to see the irony.
“I like a girl with spunk.” He clicks his champagne glass with mine and slides another inch closer.
I laugh and toss my head back, scooting as far away as I can without looking too obvious.
The night was still young, but the tension of this game was exhausting my nerves already. I lean forward as if to smell his cologne. But, the truth is –I’m checking his watch.
I’ve only killed twenty minutes. I still have seven hours and forty more minutes to go! I’m trying my best not to let this disappointing revelation show on my face.
“Let me cut to the chase. You’re a professional, I can tell. I’ve been coming to these clubs a long time.” He leans back, giving me a little breathing room.
“I’m not here to get dances. I’m here for business. I come to Chicago about twice a month.”
Taking a massive, un-lady-like gulp of champagne I follow my stellar instincts. They tell me that I’m going to need every drop of the liquid numbing potion.
“I’m married. I’m looking for a girlfriend—part-time of course.” He winks as if it turns me on; in fact, he’s doing just the opposite. I can’t tell if my nausea is the result from his expression, his honesty or the mix of champagne and Red Bull swirling in my empty stomach.
“What makes you think I’m that kind of girl?” The minute those words leave my mouth they feel useless.
He laughs. “Nice necklace. It goes good with your dress.” Reaching over, he flicks my diamond cross and caresses my chin.
The glistening gem hovering in my cleavage no longer made me feel better about myself. For the first time, that cross necklace revealed to me just how much of a hypocrite I had become.
God’s word has the supernatural ability to reveal the truth of who we really are. When I found 1 John 2:3-4 I realized that as much as I liked the idea of wearing a cross, I continued to do whatever I wanted. Although I knew the teachings of Christ in my mind, there was no evidence of my heart belief in them. My actions were the exact opposite of how Christ instructed believers to live.
In 1 John 2:3-4 we read that those who know God’s word and claim to believe in it, have the highest responsibility. We are expected to obey it. When one walks in blatant rebellion, they are showing the world who their God really is—and it isn’t the God of the Bible.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
As I read 1 John 2:3-4, my heart sinks to a new low. It tells me that you take not only our words, but our actions into account. It makes no difference if one is wearing a cross, if the heart that beats beneath it has no intention of actually serving or loving you.
How many times have I bowed to my own desire, hoping I could squeeze you in wherever and whenever it was most convenient for me?
You are GOD and I haven’t honored you as that. I have pushed you aside as a second thought—and pulled you out when no one else was around.
Forgive me, Lord. You are not a talisman. You are alive. You have feelings and a heart. I know I have broken it countless times.
Today, I want to rededicate my life to you. I want to focus my life around you. I ask that you to lead me, instead of demanding that things be the other way.
I submit to you. Thank you for your boundless mercy and for giving me another chance to show you my love—not with empty words but with a life that says it all. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: 1 John 2:3-4
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan