Presence is not only about space, it is influence, as when a person of bearing enters a room or conversation. Most of us have observed a discussion which has reached a stalemate, and then a person who has remained silent speaks and “presence” happens! The deadlock is broken, a new view or understanding is introduced. Wait staff serving us in a diner, sales people in retail establishments, neighbors, and boorish people who violate or personal space will experience the presence of God if we are full of Him!
The church must see itself as a redeeming, reconciling presence, an entity infused with the Holy Spirit of the Almighty, living God carrying His authority everywhere. Because of that,
• Jesus’ disciples ought to be honorable everywhere, in living lawfully, in integrity while transacting business, in their neighborhoods as catalysts for peace, love and wholesome behavior.
• Jesus’ disciples can be confident, especially in dangerous or difficult places where others fear or cower. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4-5) Consider, what is the worst thing that could happen? Giving one’s life in obedience to Jesus’ command?
• Jesus’ disciples should expect that their lives will have a redeeming influence. An early mentor with whom I studied, Harvie Conn, professor of missions, told of how he planted a garden in Philadelphia’s Germantown for the expressed purpose of giving the vegetables to neighbors who could not afford to purchase them. Dr. Conn lived in Germantown because it needed a source of light, of hope, and an expression of generosity. Jesus lived in Germantown for many years because of Harvie Conn’s obedience.
You and I can redeem a hopeless and despondent world, wherever we are! The capstone word of assurance is found in red letters in Jesus’ sermon on the mount, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
When I visit your neighborhood, I’ll be looking for your light in the dark corner of the world Jesus has sent you.
Go ahead, smile!
A man was terribly overweight, so his doctor put him on a diet.
"I want you to eat regularly for two days, then skip a day. Then eat regularly again for two days, then skip a day. Repeat this procedure for two weeks. The next time I see you, you should have lost at least five pounds."
When the man returned, he shocked the doctor by having lost nearly 60 pounds!
"Wow, that's amazing!" the doctor said. "Did you follow my instructions?"
The man nodded. "I'll tell you though, I thought I was going to drop dead on the third day."
"From the hunger, you mean?" asked the doctor.
"No, from the skipping."
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