We Are The Dwelling Place of God

Part 2

Living as a Dwelling Place for God: Embracing the Deeper Life

Have you ever pondered the profound truth that God desires to dwell not just among us, but within us? This transformative concept has the power to revolutionize our spiritual lives and reshape how we interact with the world around us. Let’s explore what it truly means to be God’s dwelling place and how we can cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence in our daily lives.

The Biblical Foundation

Scripture reminds us of this incredible reality in John 14:23, where Jesus says, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” This isn’t just a casual visit from the divine; it’s an invitation to become the very home of God.

From Theory to Practice

Understanding this truth intellectually is one thing, but living it out is another. How do we transition from merely knowing about God’s indwelling to experiencing it moment by moment? Here are three practical steps to begin this journey:

• Develop a Personal Monastery: Create an inner sanctuary where prayer, work, silence, and mission flow together seamlessly. This doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world, but rather cultivating a disciplined awareness of God’s presence in every aspect of life.
• Live as a Portable Tabernacle: Imagine yourself as a modern-day Ark of the Covenant, carrying God’s presence wherever you go. Whether you’re at the gym, in your workplace, or running errands, you have the power to make every environment holy through your presence.
• Lead Like a Fire Carrier: If you’re in a position of leadership or influence, focus on cultivating this awareness of God’s indwelling in others. Ask those around you, “How are you stewarding the presence of God in your life today?

Practical Exercises for Spiritual Growth

To deepen our experience of God’s habitation within us, we can incorporate these practices into our daily routines:

• Daily Stillness: Set aside time each day to simply sit in God’s presence, repeating the phrase “You are here” as a reminder of His indwelling.
• Temple Awareness: Place reminders around your home, workplace, or on your phone with phrases like “I’m Your dwelling” to keep this truth at the forefront of your mind.
• Evening Reflection: End each day by asking yourself, “Where did I let God act through me today?” and “Where did I forget His presence?”
• Habitation Circles: Gather with a small group of trusted friends and ask each other, “What is God saying inside of you?” and “Where is He sending you from that indwelling place?”
• Seek Spiritual Direction: Find a mentor or spiritual director who can help you notice what God is already doing within you.

The Power of Simplicity and Humility

We can draw inspiration from the Sisters of St. Joseph, who lived in utter dependence on God, refusing to own property and taking only what was necessary. Their simplicity wasn’t just about poverty; it was a powerful statement that God alone is enough. As lay people, we may not be called to such extreme measures, but we can cultivate an interior availability to God that prioritizes His presence above all else.

Embracing the “Nazareth Spirituality”

There’s profound beauty in embracing what we might call a “Nazareth spirituality” – finding Christ alive in the ordinary, humble tasks of daily life. It’s about seeing God’s presence in chores, classrooms, hospital beds, and rural roads. This approach to spirituality makes every encounter and decision an opportunity to experience and share God’s love.

The Legacy of Mary MacKillop

The life of Mary MacKillop serves as a powerful example of what it means to be a “tabernacle on mission.” She saw God not only in the chapel but in every encounter, every child in difficulty, and every decision. Her legacy wasn’t just about founding schools; it was about leaving behind lives marked by the indwelling presence of God and hope.

A Call to Transform the World

As we embrace this understanding of being God’s dwelling place, we become more than just believers – we become living sanctuaries of His presence. St. Teresa of Avila reminds us, “Christ has no body now but yours.” We are called to be the visible manifestation of God’s love and presence in a world desperately in need of hope.

This isn’t about exporting programs or replicating content. It’s about revealing the presence of God through our lives. Our gatherings, whether in homes, workplaces, or communities, become “upper rooms” where others can encounter the living God.

Practical Steps for Living as God’s Dwelling Place

1. Practice mindfulness of God’s presence throughout your day.
2. Treat your body as a temple, making choices that honor God’s dwelling within you.
3. Before entering any situation, remind yourself that you carry God’s presence with you.
4. Look for opportunities to be the hands, feet, and voice of Christ in your daily interactions.
5. Cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that it’s God’s presence, not your own abilities, that truly impacts others.

A Challenge and an Invitation

As we conclude, let’s challenge ourselves to go deeper in our awareness of God’s indwelling presence. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about pursuing Him in our frailty and weakness. Remember, holiness isn’t found in dramatic acts, but in faithfulness to the little things, done with great love.

Imagine the impact we could have if we truly lived as walking tabernacles of God’s presence. Our cities, workplaces, and families would be transformed not by our words alone, but by the unmistakable presence of God shining through our lives.

Let’s commit to training our minds to dwell on this truth daily. As we do, we’ll find ourselves naturally becoming more aware of God’s presence, more attuned to His voice, and more effective in sharing His love with those around us.

May we all grow in our understanding and experience of being God’s dwelling place, allowing His light to shine brightly through us into a world in need of His transforming presence.