Tourists or Residents?

I visited Israel a few years ago, spending 10 days there. But, I’ll be the first to tell you that despite having a marginally better understanding of that complex country, I really don’t know much about it at all. I saw much of the country, talked with a few of the people, and sampled the cuisine, but I’m no expert on Israeli society, culture, or politics just because I visited there once upon a time. Tourists are an interesting lot of people. They visit a region, eat in the best restaurants, see the most interesting sites, talk with a guide who is paid to tell them stories, and go home thinking they know the place. Residents know their country differently. Ask me about Northwest Jersey or Western Massachusetts! After spending much of my life in those two places, I know the kind of people who live there, the attitudes, ideals, politics.

Some approach their Christianity as tourists. They go to one church, then another; following this preacher, taking in that revival, going to hear the newest speaker on the circuit, attending a conference. Today they are a charismatic, tomorrow they’ll be Reformed, the year after that they’ll be Episcopalian! They might think they know something about being a disciple of Christ, but mostly they’re after an experience to distract them from their otherwise mundane life.

Other Christians are genuine residents of the Kingdom of God! They are living the life of a disciple, serving the King by serving the needs of those around them. They are faithful to the Body of Christ through good times and bad; have endured bad preachers with grace, and know the meaning of walking in the Spirit even when they’re just struggling to put one foot in front of the other in life. They know that being a Christian isn’t just an experience. They desire so much more than a chill or a diversion, and so they seek to know the King and His people intimately.

Jesus Christ was a resident! The Bible says: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, NIV) The Message makes it even more clear: "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood." (John 1:14, The Message) He knows us, understands us, cries with us, laughs with us, prays for us. Take your cue from Him, Christian. Move into His Kingdom. Dwell with His people! Only then will you know the full experience of discipleship and find the abundance of life He promised to those who follow Him wholeheartedly.

This week, as we celebrate Christmas, I pray that the wonder of “God in flesh” will captivate you. Let the story of a Baby in a manger, on a side street in a little town called Bethlehem, cause you to know the old yet always new truth of Immanuel, God with us.
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O come all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of angels.

Sing choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
O sing all ye bright
Hosts of heav'n above.
Glory to God,
All glory in the highest.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus to Thee be all glory giv'n.
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing.

O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

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