Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In contemporary Christian discussions, we often hear about the importance of remaining in the presence of God. James 1:22-25 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 stand out as foundational scriptures that encourage and challenge us in our spiritual journey. As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded of Mary, who exemplified the profound experience of worship and dwelling in God’s presence. However, alongside that abiding experience, there lies a reality that every believer is also called to go—to make disciples, share the Gospel, and live out our faith in various contexts.

The Dual Call: Abiding and Going

Understanding the Call

The word “abide” invites a deeper exploration. The definition suggests not just a fleeting moment of connection, but rather a dwelling, a living in God’s presence. For many, this could mean spending time in prayer, worship, and meditation—or as we see with Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet, soaking in His presence (Luke 10:39). However, for others, their call to go might look different: engaging friends at school or connecting with colleagues at work. Or maybe, you feel a tug on your heart toward missions, carrying the Gospel to distant lands.
Reflecting on Matthew 28:19-20, we are commanded to go and make disciples, emphasizing that this call is universal for all Christians. It begs the question: How do we balance going and doing, while remaining in God’s presence?

The Importance of the Word

At the core of this dynamic relationship is the Word of God, as we see it in James 1:22. Here, we are admonished to be doers of the word, not merely hearers. The analogy of looking into a mirror is striking. James 1:23-24 states, “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” This scripture challenges us to examine ourselves after exposure to God’s Word and to take actionable steps.
Consider this: if we casually glance at a mirror and see that our hair is disheveled, merely walking away without any adjustments does nothing to change our appearance. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. Hearing God’s Word creates an awareness, but if we fail to act upon it, it quickly slips away, becoming a mere echo.

Putting the Word into Practice

The essence of true transformation lies in our response to God’s Word. Our spiritual growth is not complete with mere intellectual understanding; it requires application. In John 15:7-8, Jesus states, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” Here, the Lord emphasizes the profound connection between abiding and active discipleship.
A practical application of abiding may include regularly seeking the Lord through daily devotions, prayer, and engagement with scripture. Over time, habits are developed that become an integral part of our life. Imagine incorporating a time of sharing the Word—such as a group study or simply sharing insights with a friend—into your routine. This nurtures both our intimacy with God and our outreach to others, illustrating how entwined these calls are in the fabric of our lives.

Perseverance in the Journey

James 1:25 introduces another invigorating concept: perseverance. The passage states, “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” The road of faith is rarely smooth; it requires determination and commitment. There will be challenges, distractions, and moments of doubt. Yet in those moments, it is vital to remember that the process of spiritual growth compels us to keep returning to His Word and presence.
The word “persevere” indicates that this journey will have its ups and downs. Consider the story of Thomas Edison, who famously failed over a thousand times while working to create the electric light bulb. It wasn’t until he persevered that he birthed an invention that transformed society. Like Edison, as believers, we must find strength in our journey, recognizing that every setback is an opportunity for growth, and every attempt to practice God’s Word is a step toward fulfillment of our purpose.

Abiding While Going

Living in an active relationship with God while fulfilling our call to serve seems paradoxical. However, it is attainable through a practical understanding of what it means to abide in His presence.

Integrating Abiding into Daily Life

To abide in Christ while engaging in the world means turning our everyday tasks into acts of worship. Whether at work, school, or home, we can infuse our interactions and responsibilities with His presence. Here’s how:

• Prayer Throughout the Day: Integrate short prayers into your routine. Whether you are commuting, working on that big project, or during lunch breaks, lift your thoughts to God.
• Scripture Memorization: As James encourages us to remember God’s word, consider focusing on memorizing helpful verses. For instance, declarations like Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” can guide your actions throughout the day.
• Intentional Conversations: Whether you are at a coffee shop with a friend or teaching a class, allow your conversations to reflect God’s goodness. Sharing personal testimonies can be a powerful way to draw others to Christ.
• Acts of Kindness: Small acts of kindness at work or home can be opportunities to share the love of Christ. This could mean helping a colleague with a project or showing patience with family members in stressful situations.
• Join a Fellowship: Surrounding yourself with like-minded believers ensures that you are consistently encouraged in your journey. Engaging in discussions about scripture can lead to accountability and deeper insights into how to experience God’s presence daily.

Embracing Our Purpose

Ultimately, knowing God’s Word empowers us to step into our unique callings. We should approach our mission with enthusiasm. The insight gained from abiding will reflect in how we engage with the world around us, allowing us to become vessels through which God can work.
Reflecting on the stories of missionaries like Hudson Taylor, we see how his deep reliance on God while actively sharing the Gospel in China transformed countless lives. The people he encountered recognized not just his words but the very essence of Christ radiating through him. Taylor exemplified that enduring presence with Christ builds boldness for action.
Likewise, whether your mission field is a school, workplace, or community, God’s abiding presence will empower you with the boldness to share His love effectively.

Conclusion

The interwoven principles of abiding in God’s presence while going out into the world to serve is indeed a broader, layered journey. Embracing both is vital for spiritual growth, purpose fulfillment, and genuine connection with God. As we read and apply His Word, recognizing our role as doers—as James challenges us—we become catalysts for change in our communities.
Let us remember the powerful truths of James 1:22-25 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. The more we understand God’s heart through scripture, the clearer our individual calls to action become. May we commit to not just be hearers of the Word, but doers, carrying the essence of Christ to every arena where He sends us, all while abiding in the sweetness of His presence.
It’s a journey worth embarking on, leading to not only an enriched spiritual life, but also a life changing impact on the world around us.