Distinguishing Mark

Are you familiar with people who have a commanding presence? There is something about them that when they walk through the door of a room others immediately notice them. There are several things we might attribute the command of our attention to - maybe a new hair-cut, perhaps an impressive physique or a particular tone of voice. My hope and prayer is that the way I carry myself, I would exude a strong presence of Christ Jesus in my life.

Walking into any room, my desire is to introduce you to Jesus Christ without any words if possible. Said another way, if you had "spiritual glasses" on - I would want you to see Jesus walk-in with me and speak through me in any given situation. I would want you to know and experience me as a Heavenly scent and light in your midst. 

2 Corinthians 2:16 says, that believers in Christ Jesus should have a "Heavenly Scent" about them that is so pleasing that it draws all people to them.

"To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?" 

I also believe, as Matthew 5:15 says, that believers should be a light to the world and especially within their own household.

"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."

However, I desire to radiate more of God's Presence in my life SO THAT others may take notice of the difference, inquire and consider a change themselves.

Besides being pleasant and encouraging to be around, the core of my desire for a commanding presence comes from Exodus 33:15-16 - 

Then Moses said to him [God], “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

God's Presence is The Distinguishing Mark in this prayer for Moses both personally and for his people. Moses does not want to even move if God's Presence is not The Distinguishing Mark alongside. Moses explains his heart to God that God's Presence being The Distinguishing Mark or factor, determines the difference between him and his people and everyone else.

Daniel, Peter and Paul. Daniel was noted by the angel Gabriel as being "esteemed". Daniel was regarded this way not only on earth, but Gabriel tells him three times - 9:23; 10:11, 19 - that Heaven deems him esteemed.

Peter was seen as "highly regarded by people" in Acts 5:13-15. God's healing power was displayed even in Peter's shadow as a great way to showcase The Commanding Presence of God in Peter's life and person.

Paul went through much hardship in his adult years. His suffering for Christ's sake was even foretold to Ananias by The Lord (Acts 9:15-16). However, it is not just Paul's spoken words that I am sure gave people inspiration. It is not just his and The Holy Spirit's written words that brought many direction and enlightenment. But when I observe Paul's life and hear him say - "I am convinced" - I know that life is the instrument and God is the Teacher of what I am to be convinced.

Therefore, the challenge is to Practice God's Presence, God's Posture and God's Perspective. When we use our verbal and non-verbal skills, we need to take care these are screened through His Presence, the Holy Spirit. 

We take Christ everywhere as His Ambassadors. As often as we can, we need to remind ourselves of the position or Posture we have because of Christ and through Christ Jesus. We are seated together with Him in heavenly places. What a privilege and responsibility. 

We also must always do our best to keep His Perspective as our own - loving the world into His Kingdom.

To have a relationship with God and to have a distinguishing, commanding presence, being "religious" is not enough. My life must reflect my beliefs, teachings and songs I sing. It is one thing to hear a great orator speak on any topic and be convinced or swayed on the idea presented simply because he/she is an excellent word-smith. But there is a totally different power behind a speaker or author who has experienced what they are convincing you about. This is the authority Christians have with their Testimony. This is the Power Christians have because of Christ's sacrificial blood. This is the Presence that Christians have continually available to their lives if they stay connected, tuned in or as John says in John 15:5 "abiding in the True Vine" - Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord,

Please permeate every cell in my being till only your Holy Spirit is sensed in all ways as I travel about my days. Less of me and more of you, so that others may be drawn to your loving kindness, and also display your Distinguishing Mark, in your mighty name King Jesus, I pray, amen.