“Where” vs "What"

It is possible to be seated with someone or on the phone with them and at the same time somewhere else. This can be a source of frustration when they perceive this and realize the insignificance of physical nearness if the mind is elsewhere. It’s really difficult for there to be any influence in a conversation where there is separation in this way. Especially prevalent in this age of mobile devices, this phenomenon can effectively take a gathering of people in one physical location and disperse all of them to anywhere their personal devices may take them. Getting people in the same place, then, can be a great challenge for connecting them with the same purpose. To be impacted by a mentor with great potential for development will require occupying the same space, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. What is being done will always be limited until it occurs in the appropriate place with the right surroundings.

In God’s design and creation of mankind, it is meant for us to really only function as designed in His presence. There are things that can be done to conduct ourselves appropriately, and it is from the “what” that we’re doing that we get various forms of religion, attempts to somehow be right by what is done. While there may be different levels of goodness achieved in this way, the truth of how to live in peace and righteousness is only found in the place that has been provided for us in Christ – at the Father’s side. Being seated there with Him as His child, though, isn’t enough if hearts and minds are elsewhere. Learning how to abide in Him, where all the distractions of other places are set aside for full awareness of Him, is necessary for the life He’s given to be lived to its fullest. Rather than resorting to attempted confidence in status by what we’re doing, He desires for what we’re doing to be transformed by where we’re at – in Him.

Notes

When “where"loses out to “what”

Genesis 3:23 (NLT) 23 So the LORD God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made.

When what is done/owned is overtaken by where you are – eternal life

Luke 18:20-22 (NLT) 20 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’” 21 The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 22 When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

What Jesus did was because of where the Father was to Him

John 8:28-29 (NKJV) 28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”

Sonship vs Slavery – Father vs father

John 8:34-38 (NKJV) 34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 37 “I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.”

When “Where” wins over “What”:

To be a disciple, free in the truth – abide in the Word

John 8:31-32 (NKJV) 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

In His presence – equipping identity

Exodus 33:15-16 (NKJV) 15 Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”

Overriding hope – prepared place with Him

John 14:2-3 (NKJV) 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

What is known of truth – found in the place where the Spirit dwells

John 14:16-17 (NKJV) 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

In His presence – joy/pleasures of true life

Psalms 16:11 (NLT) 11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Spoken to church – Jesus’ knocking to enter – empower to overcome for seat with Him

Revelation 3:20-21 (NKJV) 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

How “Where” wins – passion for it

Psalms 27:4 (NKJV) 4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.