Our family is SO sad because our 14-year-old puppy left us this weekend.  I enjoyed walking my dog, and she loved it, too.  However, it was a little tougher with the COLD weather of late.

I normally am not one who has a runny nose, but walking in the cold changes that.  Suddenly, my nose thinks it is a running faucet, and I need a tissue.  I am not one to carry tissues with me, but when I need one, I need one.

And that caused a lightbulb moment for me.  How often do we treat God like a tissue?  How often do we fail to acknowledge or talk to Him unless we are in need?  How often do we forget that He is with His children – always?

We just exited the Christmas season where we sang about Immanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23).  But do we realize it?

Being a Christian is not about agreeing with some code or creed.  It is not about having your name on a membership role.  Being a Christian is about accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and when that happens, He saves you and comes into your life.  God lives in you.

Consider what Romans 8:9 states: “You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.  If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”  If you are a child of God, the Holy Spirit is in you.

Jesus promised this.  He said (in John 14:17) about the Holy Spirit: “‘He is the Spirit of truth.  The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him.  But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you.’”  And the reason is clear.  Jesus made a promise in Matthew 28:20: “‘…And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

He is not to be treated like a tissue.  He is with you always.  And that should means something to us.

First, it means that He is at work.  God is still active and moving.

Second, it means that He has a plan.  He clearly wants you to be part of it.

Third, it means that we can trust Him.  He will never leave His child, and He loves us.

Fourth, it means that we should act like we know it.  Our daily lives should demonstrate that we are His and live for Him.

So – if it is cold outside, grab a tissue.  But as you live your daily life, do not treat God that way.  He already is with you (if you are His child).  Live like it.

For better thoughts than I had on this, check out this classic, beloved book on the subject…