“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 16-17).

The severe weather this season reminded me how important having electricity is for my daily life.  When I get up in the morning, I’m dependent on the light of my lamp.  I need hot water for my shower.  And most importantly, as I stumble down the stairs like a zombie thirsty for that first cup of coffee my automatic coffee maker has already brewed.

There are very few situations when I’d willingly choose to turn off power to my home.  Life is just better when it’s always on.

This passage in Romans makes me wonder if I sometimes treat Jesus like a power switch. I know for every area of my life when I’m a conduit for Jesus, there’s other areas where I find it convenient to quietly flip the “Jesus off” switch.

Paul doesn’t add caveats in his letter. He doesn’t say, “Do not repay anyone from your church evil for evil.” Nor does he implore us to, “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone from your small group.”  Or to, “live at peace with everyone who also calls themselves a Christian”.

When I choose to follow Jesus, I need to understand that he doesn’t come with a switch.  Jesus is for everyone, and I’m a conduit for his love.  Whether I’m at work, at the grocery store, stuck in traffic, or with my family, the power of Jesus should flow through me.  

Sometimes it’s obvious. Like when I show up at the local elementary school for a beautification project as part of Chatham Serves. But there are times where I can quietly choose to channel the power of Jesus. Like when I choose to help a stranger in the aisles of Food Lion, choose to assist a neighbor with clearing storm debris from their yard, or choose to mentor a colleague at work.  In these situations, I’m not going to loudly proclaim, “Jesus’ love incoming!”, but it is his love empowering me to serve.

My life is better when the electricity is on.  Our communities are better when we’re all conduits for the power of Jesus. When I serve everyone with his power in my heart, I’m a source for the always on power of Jesus for everyone in my community.  

Today I remind myself to be always on with Jesus, without exception.

As we prepare for Chatham Servers, a day when we go out as a Church to serve our community, think about how this service opportunity can be a springboard for you to serve every day.  As a Christian, we’re always on with Jesus, in everything we do, both big and small.  His power never goes off!