BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER
FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

Love produces desire when a presence matters

This will be my final thoughts on the “Theology of Presence” which I am calling “Getting Mud on Your Boots.”

In the midst of the swirl that goes on during a disaster, one question plagues me: Why do people give so much of themselves in the interest of others? Why would you go to a place, work until energy and daylight are gone, hope to get to shower; sleep on the floor and do it again the next day ... and the next week? You lose track of time working for people you do not know while pushing yourself to the limit.

You don’t do it for material gain. In fact you lose money. You don’t do it for exercise, although you might need it. You don’t do it for the joy of work, since there are air-conditioned places to work at home. Nor, do you do it for the “high-five,” although that can be nice.

What then is it that keeps the presence of vital people in tough spots? No force motivates this kind of behavior outside of a love powerful enough to produce obedience. A zeal to meet needs will last for a while and then fizzle. Being paid to work under such adverse conditions will have little appeal. Emotional appeal is momentary because the reality of hard work sets in.

Only love can produce a demonstration of caring over the long haul.

Passion always cools unless it is a burning love for others—not because of their needs but mine. Presence in adversity is essential to character growth and maturity. I need to demonstrate love. Of course the love of the believer will differ. We have Christ in mind at all times.

Early twentieth century preacher G. Campbell Morgan said, “You cannot tell whether I love him, make no mistake. You cannot measure my love by my service or lack of it. The final demonstration of love is not for the vision of any save the loved one. Love is always between two. I may sing and serve, toil and suffer, and yet never love; and while the world applauds the supposed evidence of devotion, my Master may be hungry for the love I am withholding, pining for the affection I will not give Him.”

Let me add, obedience to make disciples and meet needs will not have authenticity without the inspiration of love. This is why the theology of presence is so necessary. God’s love is the priority of life. Believers cannot escape it. With our presence we are answering the love of God by applying love to people.

There is no distinction between secular and sacred in this application. When Jesus is involved it is always sacred. He sets us on the path of duty that gives hope and strength to those who suffer. This is not the “stuff’ of the Mountain of Transfiguration. This is the “stuff” of valleys. Our presence in the lowly places can well turn into transfigurations of weary souls. We need to get in the habit of greeting Christ on the street, not just in the church house. Amen!

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