Wednesday, August 15, 2007

being present as a special presence for others

Being in Jesus means to be present for others in this world in a unique kind of way. There is no one, as need arises whom I'm not to be a neighbor to. And I am joined not only to God in Christ, but to others who are in Christ.

So in a unique, Spirit-given kind of way, we're a special presence for each other and for all people in this world, in Christ.

Do we really believe that? Do we think that we just don't have the ability or personality to be helpful to another? But this is part of our calling in and through Christ. And we need to be open as to what we will receive from this, as well as what we can give, through and from Jesus.

What holds us back from this? Or any other thought.

12 comments:

joe said...

for me, sometimes i selfishly just cant be bothered. i know it is going to be time intensive and emotionally draining so i just never start.

other times, i feel overwhelmed by all the need around me and end up frozen and not doing anything.

it's unfortunate i have moments like that. whats a person to do?

Llama Momma said...

Too often I approach people with my own agenda. Simply being present to another is a great gift.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Joe, This reminds me that we do have our limitations. We're human with bodies that need sleep, and we need time alone, even as Jesus tried to get away with his disciples not wanting anyone to know where they were. Though they were interrupted and then ministered to the people.

Of course I have those selfish times, too.

The point of this post is simply that we're to be encouraged that we can be a special presence in Christ to all around us, be it our families, neighbors, fellow workers, other believers, etc. I think this will help us to simply start where we're at and be faithful.

In your case as a pastor I'm sure you can be inundated with people calls, and this takes wisdom to know how to deal with that and to withdraw regularly, or one can get burn out (you know all this!).

Ted M. Gossard said...

Llama Momma, Good thought about having our ouwm agenda. We need instead to be open to whatever God's agenda for us might be. Sometimes I find this hard, and wading through it, at times I see God having brought us to a place where it really did seem we were enjoying God's presence and input to us. Of course I need to pray, I think, and want this, in spite of myself and my weaknesses.

Anonymous said...

good post, ted. thank you.

tis so sweet to walk with the Lord, to rest in His guidance, to listen for His voice.

my Lord God, You are the dance that i want to dance, You are the song that i want to sing. Help me o Lord in this day. please guide me with Your hand. Let me rest in You, my God.

L.L. Barkat said...

Presence as a present. Nice thought.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Yes, Nancy, somehow God in Christ is to be our all in all in this life, actually becoming more ourselves in the process as we become more and more lost in him and his will, I think.

Ted M. Gossard said...

L.L., Yes, it is perhaps the greatest gift from God: Emmanel, God-with-us. And it is the great gift we give back to God and to each other.

Anonymous said...

LL and Ted,

yes, i do like the thought of being present as a special presence in the sense that it is a present a gift that we give to someone. to actually focus in on the person, take time, listen, be aware, share, be there, and all that being able to see that as a present from God through me. it makes me think in a way that will help me to remember to do that, for God and His Glory.

Alan Knox said...

Ted,

I haven't commented lately, but I read your blog daily. This morning, when I read this post, I was greatly encouraged! It is amazing to think that God has placed the right person into my life when I need him or her. This morning, you were that neighbor that God used to help me. Thank you.

-Alan

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy, Thanks so much for your song and dance to the Lord, and for your thoughts here.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Alan, I'm amazed that God would use a poor, broken down person like me. But it is certainly he, and his grace alone that keeps us going. Thanks and thanks to the Giver of all good gifts, thanks be to God.