“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” (Matthew 9:35 King James Version)
In business real estate, location is of great importance in determining where a company will base its operation. In religion, true religion, location is of great importance too, but there is no need to spend energy in determining where you, as a believer, will operate.
In the passage above, Jesus went from location to location and His standard operating procedure was the same. The type of city, village, whether inside or outside of the places of worship, Jesus did the same things. He taught, He preached. He healed the sick and dismissed diseases. Location, location, location, had no impact on how Jesus lived. Location did not alter his determination to focus on living according to His mission to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, bring about the recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
In both the adult Vacation Bible School class on this past Saturday and during the adult Sunday School class the very next day, a faithful sister expressed how easy it is for us to live as Christians when at church or around church folks and earn a “Well Done” appraisal. Yet, just being transparent and telling something all of us can identify with, we find it more challenging and often we are not even conscious about living as a Christian ought. Sometimes, it just seems like location makes a difference. But guess what? It should not make a difference.
Therefore, my challenge for you, yes take it personal; my challenge for you today is to do the same thing as Jesus did. Do what you have been called to do regardless of where you find yourself. Demonstrate the same behaviors outside of the church as you do in the church. Live as if you have a picture in your mind of your performance appraisal and on the appraisal form there are measurable areas of Christian responsibilities and/or expectations listed in the left-hand column on the appraisal form, and as you move to the left, you will see various columns. For example, there will be columns measuring your performance as a follower of Christ at home, at church, on the job, in the conference room, in the boardroom, in the backroom, on vacation in places near or afar, in interactions with people who you know and in return they know you are a Christian, and in the presence of those who do not know you are one who is in the camp of the righteous.
Location, location, location? Location does not change your mission, your purpose, your conduct, or your awareness that you are one of the chosen people, a member of a royal priesthood and a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Wherever you go, be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a witness for the Lord. Have a great day, in whatever location you find yourself! Be blessed!
“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 The Amplified Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King