Another Alternative
“Heaven’s influence steps through every threshold we cross.”
Today’s devotional confronts two extremes that the church has often chosen in response to the world: retreat or dominance. One shrinks back from a fear of contamination; the other attempts to overpower the world out of fear of being overwhelmed. But Jesus offers a third way—neither withdrawal nor dominance, but influence through love. He calls us to step into a broken world as He did, not by separating from it or conquering it, but by entering it with the self-giving pattern of His life.
Jesus didn’t shy away from those deemed sinful by society. He dined with outcasts and entered their homes—not to conform to their ways, but to bring His holiness into theirs. His presence sanctified, and now His Spirit in us empowers the same influence. We don’t bring our own goodness; we carry His. We are salt—preserving, seasoning, healing. And just as salt affects everything it touches, so too does Christ in us. We are citizens of heaven, yet we live as ambassadors in this world, influencing not by the love of power, but by the power of love.
Personalized Journal Entry — In the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture:
You are not of this world, though I have sent you into it. You are My chosen vessel, set apart in Christ before the foundation of the world, holy and blameless in My sight. I have made My dwelling within you—not as a visitor, but as your life. You carry the aroma of heaven, the fragrance of Christ, into every space I lead you.
As salt in a tasteless world, you preserve what is good and stir thirst for what is eternal. As light in the shadows, you don’t strain to shine—you simply express the One who lives in you. I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. So you don’t retreat. And you don’t dominate. You love. You influence. You move as I moved—touching lepers, welcoming sinners, eating with those others avoid.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. I renew your thoughts in Me. When you live from your heavenly citizenship, the world cannot shape you—you shape the world. Let your gentleness be evident. Let My peace rule in your heart. Let My love compel you, for you no longer live, but Christ lives in you.
You are an embassy of heaven, placed exactly where you are to bring the kingdom near. Be still in My sufficiency. Abide in Me, and I will overflow from you.
—Ephesians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 2:15, Romans 12:2, 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:5, Colossians 3:15, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 2:20
Prayer:
Father, I don’t have to search for a strategy or fabricate an approach. You have already made Your home in me, and Your presence within me is influence enough. You are the One who enters the room when I do. You’re the One who loves the unlovely, draws near to the outcast, and stirs curiosity in the hearts of the lost. Thank You that I never have to choose between hiding or striving to overpower. You’ve given me the better way—Christ in me, the power of love.
May I walk today as one who knows where I’m from and who lives inside me. Let me move through this world not with fear, but with quiet confidence that heaven’s influence has come near. You are enough, and You are here.
Amen.
Devotional Credit:
This post is based on Immeasurably More (March 24th entry).
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com