Posted January 19, 2025

My university Alumni Association closes out every Reunion weekend with an Inspirational Service. Dr. R. Neal Siler, Founder of The Healing Place, was there to talk about the idea of “Witness” vs “Withness”. He defined “witness” as “professing” or talking about something, whereas “withness” indicates “positioning”, movement towards something or “following”. Dr. Siler said there is a “spark” in all of us that makes us long to be with God. God wants us to be Imitators of Him, to ignite that “spark” as His dearly loved children (Ephesians 5:1-2). 

It is essential that we remember, God never intended for man (or woman) to be alone (Genesis 2:18). 

Ecclesiastes 4:12 says “Two shall withstand; and a Threefold alliance is not easily broken”. Although these scriptures are usually associated with marriage, they are true for all mankind. We were created to worship God and to have fellowship with God and with one another. A commentary at www.crosswalk talks about this scripture and the consequences of trying to make it alone. You can find yourself becoming weary and an easy target for challenges when you are alone. When you are with Jesus, you are in a safe place. Being with Jesus and surrounding yourself with others who are also “with” Jesus, that “threefold alliance” keeps you standing strong, increasing in courage and victories; you were never created to be alone.

1 John 2:1 assures that when we find ourselves in trouble, if we are “with” Jesus Christ, He goes before God on our behalf. God already knows all about us and will handle all our challenges through Jesus, who is fully approved by God. Jesus wants a “relationship” with us that is more than more than just “talking the talk”, but also enjoying the “walk” with Him, always aware and mindful of His presence.

Recently, I listened to teachings in the sermon series “The Third Way/The GOAT”, by Dr. Dharius Daniels. He talks about Jesus as Savior – who leads people into Heaven – and Jesus as Teacher – who can lead people to live their best life here on earth. Dr. Daniels says it’s possible to be saved and “stuck”, not growing in life or in your relationship with God. He says it doesn’t matter how long you have been a Believer. The question is, have you been taught to “like” Jesus, or have you been taught to “be” like Jesus? Have you been taught what Jesus was “like”? Jesus told His disciples, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10)”. He extends an invitation to the weary to accept His teachings (His yoke) and learn of Him in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come unto me because Your way is not working. Life is wearing you out. If you come to me, here’s what I’m going to do. Give you Rest! Rest from what’s not working for you.” 

As we move forward in a New Year, ask yourself, "Am I 'with' Jesus?"