Making the Choice to engage. To show up and to be an active participant. Often times our neighborhood becomes the place where our house sits. We come and go, but spend most of our time inside, or within the safety of the backyard fence. Being present is reorienting our lives so that we intentionally engage with our neighbors.

At CitySalt we gather at The Box on 19th’s street between Hilyard and Paterson. We began to explore what was happening in that area. We learned there is an active neighborhood association. So we started showing up. We learned the city’s Parks and Rec department was putting on a park clean up. So we helped. Our activities outside of worship services are more about joining in with neighbors in ongoing efforts, than it is about inviting them to come to our stuff at our building. After all, Jesus’s followers are the ones with the heavenly command to love their neighbors, no one else is.

As we can see, practicing the Art of Presence is not a one time project. This is a lifestyle shift.

Consider the way these “Art of’s” build on each other. Without taking the time to be aware and empathetic of our neighbors, than our efforts in being present will only produce self-gratifying events that benefit ourselves without actually expressing love to our neighbors. Please be cautious not to jump into action without first putting in time listening.

Furthermore, if we as Jesus’s followers are the salt of the earth and the light to the world, then consider what is happening in the spiritual realm when we choose to be present and participate in the neighborhood? Below are some passages to explore that speak to the Practice of Presence:

Matthew 5:13a You are the salt of the earth.

Jeremiah 29:7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.