Hard to believe summer is coming to an end. We had the wonderful opportunity to once again spend some time at Cran-Hill Ranch. When we returned many people commented, “You got a lot of sun on vacation.” My skin must have changed a tint or two. I had gotten tan. That’s what happens if you spend time in the sun – you get tan-lines.
I began wondering about how people could tell if I’ve been spending time in the Son? What would be the recognizable “tan-lines” of being in God’s presence? In Exodus Moses is coming down Mt. Sinai for the second time and the people are afraid of him. He doesn’t notice but his face was radiant and glowing. Not because he just had a cosmetic make over and had just cleansed his skin with a mud mask. He had been in the presence of God- listening to Him, talking to Him, receiving instruction from Him, communicating with Him. The people could tell he had been in God’s presence.
So, how will people tell/what will they notice/what will be the “tan-lines” when we’ve been with God? I believe Scripture helps us here. Several passages come to mind. Galatians 5:22 tells us that the fruit (“tan-lines”) of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Ephesians 4 and 5 talk about speaking truthfully, having wholesome speech, harmony in our family and work relationships and unity. 1 Peter and 1 John talk about living and walking in the light and purifying ourselves from sin. Jesus told us that our love for Him would express itself in obedience.
So, for example, you goto church every week, read your Bible almost daily, and pray but are still impatient with co-workers and others in your life. The effect of God’s presence isn’t manifesting itself in your life. It would be like going to Florida for spring break and coming back with no tan at all. You tell people, “I spent everyday on the beach. The weather was spectacular. It was sunny everyday. It was wonderful.” Maybe you stayed inside, maybe you wore long sleeves and a hat the whole time or maybe you wore SPF 50 sun block – but for whatever reason there are no tan lines to speak of. People would have a hard time believing you spent any time in the sun at all.
Spending time in God’s presence ought to affect and effect us. There ought to be visible signs to others that we have spent time with Him. People should notice we are more patient with people or situations that used to frustrate us. Our children should notice we have more self-control when someone cuts us off in traffic and we hold our tongue. Friends should be able to hear encouraging words replace our sarcasm and remarks that tear others down. A stranger will notice your kindness when you let them go in front of you at the grocery store. Neighbors will notice your disappointment in the loss of a job but notice an unshakeable joy and confidence in your God. A boss will begin to see you honor your breaks, start and end time and notice your faithfulness.
So, are the “tan-lines” of spending time with God evident in your and my life? Something to consider when we see the tan-lines of spending time in the sun this summer. Let’s think about the “tan-lines” that should be showing as we spend time with the Son all through the year.
