As we leave Cambodia, so many ideas and radical thoughts jumbles itself within my limited imagination. In this village that lives off less than the minimum in America I ponder what it means to truly live a life set apart. What does living a life set apart mean and how can I navigate such a life with the hustle and bustle of individualism and selfishness? To be honest, as I was living in a village with a spotty electrical system (definitely no wifi), a squatty potty and bucket showers I realized that I missed the conveniences and luxuries of America. As I asked the Lord what living set apart meant He began to show me the tender attributes of His character. His tender love, mercy, peace, joy, and currently forgiveness. He has been revealing to me that obeying His commands join me as one with Him.
This is living set apart. Embodying His commands that He, who is perfect, established. It is not me and them, it is us. When Christ died, He died not only for those who would accept Him but also for those whom He knew would reject Him and still Jesus loved them so much to die for them. And Christ says that “Anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
So if I am called to live set apart why do I not even love those close to me with a fraction of the love that Christ loved those who persecuted Him? Lord, I pray that I would encounter persecution for my love for You and that You would strengthen me in the midst of it to love as You loved. To forgive as You forgave and to live a life of love so set apart that it would bring Your children into Your presence.
Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
As I reflect back on my time in the small village of Kampong Speu,’ I understand the truth to being united as one through Christ Jesus. He has taught me so much of His unending love for His children that their love for the Father brought me into a deeper intimacy with His presence. He has allowed me to see now that I am gone from that little village that I had so much more love to give, and as I desire to love like He loved I must give as He gave. I must not consider myself, my time or my desires higher than others’. I must consider theirs as more precious than my own so that when I have the opportunity to spend time with them I do not hesitate to willingly fall in love with them.
Lord Jesus, I give all myself to You. I will follow You into the world and as I do. Father please strengthen me to follow You. Please give me grace to love like You do. Lord I desire Your people to truly know Your character and love and I pray that I may embody those attributes as I declare Your sovereignty and glory. Jesus, I love You and I desire to live and give my life to You no matter what that may look like. God I want to love You above myself and above others. Please wash me inside out. God You are so good and Your beauty shines brighter than the sun and Your love breaks every chain.
