+DEV+ Close Proximity

Date: March 17, 2011 2:13 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Close Proximity

Close Proximity

"The LORD watches over you, the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night" (Psalm 121:5-6).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 121

Billy was big, loud and lively. He thought he could run the class. But teachers have a secret weapon. It's called "close proximity." The teacher walked over and stood next to him and continued giving the lesson. Billy was suddenly quiet. He listened. The whole class wondered what she would do next.

Close proximity is a great technique for two reasons: it grabs everyone's attention, shifting it to the teacher, and it also keeps the teacher focused on the lesson instead of on the troublemaker.

In our life with Christ the roles are changed somewhat, but the results are the same. Jesus is always in close proximity to us. Psalm 145:18 says, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." We must put our hearts in close proximity to Him.

When we focus on Jesus, we dwell less on worldly priorities, our circumstances, or ourselves. We don't "interrupt the lesson or distract others." Praise God we have a Savior who comes near to us, even when we are persisting in our sin.

Insight: How much more could we learn from Him if we simply remembered that He is near?