September 4, 2026
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
When I was in middle school I thought I wanted to become an architect. I loved drawing houses and buildings. However, I hated math. A little bit later I was thinking about something in the medical field. But I didn’t really have a reason why I considered pursuing that. And then in high school I thought I would like to become a history or Spanish teacher (After all, I did help start the Spanish Club at my school and I was the treasurer. True story). I loved both of those subjects and excelled in them! As I neared the end of my senior year in high school, however, I still didn’t have a solid answer to the question everyone was asking: What did I want to do with my life?
Christ. To be known… loved… imitated. I read that statement in a book I’ve been reading lately. It’s another way of saying what we’ve been saying around WOCC these past couple of years. That we want to be formed by being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what he did.
Growing up and even through the first portion of my adult life I never considered Jesus someone to be with. I thought he was someone to read about, obey, and pray to. I never really thought of him as someone who was in me and that I was in him. I thought the goal of a good Christian was to do the right things and become a better more obedient and moral person.
Ephesians 2:13 says, But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
In Romans 6:11 Paul writes, In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
John 14:23 says, Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them."
The number of times that Jesus or the authors of Scripture talk about Jesus’s “with-ness” in us is staggering. It appears that God is just as concerned (and maybe even more so?) with my being with him than he is about nearly anything I can do.
Concerning one’s relationship with God, the 17th century French monk, Brother Lawrence said this in his book, The Practice of the Presence of God:
Do not forget him! Think of Him often. Adore Him ceaselessly. Live and die with Him. That is the real business of Christians; In a word, it is our profession. If we do not know it, we must learn it.
That’s the real business of a Christian. It is our profession. I am humbled by that idea. I am also challenged and energized by it. What would my life look like if thinking about Jesus, spending time getting to know him, just resting with him were the business of my day? What if I got into the habit of conversing with him throughout the day? What would change in my habits, thoughts, words, and actions if adoring God and enjoying him were on the forefront of my mind? I would not have my phone be the first thing I picked up in the morning or the last thing I handle before bed. I would sit in more silent moments. I’d have more engaging car rides with God-dialogue. I’d meditate on Scripture more. I’d smile and worship more as I consider his many good gifts and his character.
What I’m challenging you to consider is what your real business is as a Christian. I’m asking you to consider what your true profession is. You are in IN Christ and he has made his home IN you. Think of Him often. Adore Him ceaselessly. Live and die with Him.
In Christ,
Nathan
As apprentices to Jesus, we obediently step into the business of meeting the needs of others. In response to the devastating floods in the country of Nepal, we want to give you an opportunity to be generous. Matthew 25 Ministries is a trusted ministry partner based in Cincinnati who provides aid to those in need here at home and around the world. Check out their page and your opportunity to respond for the people of Nepal:
Nathan Hinkle
Lead Pastor
