We must beware of becoming out of touch in our attempt to be holy. If becoming holy is becoming more like Christ, a godly person should be defined by being in touch with those around them. Let’s look to Jesus and be reminded that being “not of this world” is precisely the way of remaining IN-timately present to those within it.
As days get darker, we must beware of the yeast of the Pharisees. There is a false righteousness that exalts men and separates people not unto God, but from each other. As men are lifted up, boundaries are drawn between the “us” and “them” groups. The pride of the Pharisees “shut the door of the kingdom in people’s faces” (Matthew 23:13.) Alternatively, as Christ is exalted, all men are humbled and are drawn unto Him. This is because in the face of Christ we see Emmanuel, God WITH US.
Brothers and Sisters, people listened to what Jesus had to say because He dwelled among them. He was WITH them. Are we with the Samaritan woman, the one with five husbands, enough to drink from the same watering hole? Are we close enough with the tax collector to be invited over to his home to break bread? If the Spirit of God dwells in us, we will desire intimacy with those around us. His Spirit makes us “not of the world” and in turn, makes our love toward those walking in darkness “not of this world”. His love draws Him near, even to the sinner. Jesus did not pray for His followers to be removed from the world, He sends us INTO it!
Jesus speaks,
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers,[a] what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:43-47
As we seek to be set apart unto our Lord, do we understand that true holiness leads to a love that will compel us to dwell in dark places? His sheep will follow their shepherd, even unto Samaria and the ends of the earth, as they are filled with the fruit of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. May those walking in darkness see a great light in us as we share the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. May His Spirit lead us to be so present in our relationships that we can touch and be touched by those who did not expect it. We must get this close to people for them to see Christ in us. Let’s stay in touch.
In Christ,
—Roger Garrison
