Mind the Gap

I’ve had the privilege of spending a few days in London, England. Growing up watching movies set in London, it was so exciting to get to walk around and actually experience its history, charm and wonder. Getting around the city can be a challenge, so taking ‘the tube’ (subway) is the primary way for tourists to see the town. When you enter the Underground Station you encounter signs everywhere telling you to ‘Mind The Gap’. It has nothing to do with the city’s allegiance to the retailer by the same name; it’s all about paying attention to the space between the platform and the train you’re about to step onto. There is a physical gap, and if you’re not careful it would be easy to drop your keys or phone or worse yet, fall in! The Lord reminded me recently about how often we ignore the ‘gap’ that shows up in our relationships between ourselves and God and between ourselves and each other. When we allow too much distance in our relationships it’s so easy to fall or feel stuck. (Click Here To Watch the Message I Gave On This Exact Topic)

I read an article recently that discussed the dilemma of people falling ‘into the gap’ in the London train stations. As newer, more slender trains have been added to the line, the ‘gap’ has widened and therefore the number of people falling into that gap has gone up every single year.  Over 300 people were reported to have ‘fallen into the gap’ last year alone (2015). The simple truth is, the wider the gap, the greater the danger of falling.

I’m reminded of the story of Peter in Mark 14. Though Peter had walked on the water to Jesus and served alongside of Him every day even he allowed distance in their relationship in a moment of fear.  When the Roman guards came took Jesus away to be tried and ultimately crucified we read that Peter followed Jesus ‘at a distance’. After having walked so close for so long, suddenly the gap widened and now there is a greater distance between them than before. It’s stunning to read that the very next mention of Peter, only a few verses later, is where he completely denies ever having known Jesus at all.  (Click Here To Read My Post on Snap Judgements)

Love causes us to move towards, fear causes us to move away. It is a natural response to create distance from people or situations that scare us. The problem is, just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s helpful. When I work hard out in my yard I get sweaty and smelly. It’s a natural effect after doing hard work. However, it doesn’t score me any points when I want to walk inside and give my wife a hug and a kiss. It may be natural, but it doesn’t help me out any if my goal is a little physical affection from my wife!  We have to work hard to address the natural fear and pain that so easily show up in our relationships with God and with others. Relationships are hard and we shouldn’t be surprised that it takes effort to ‘mind the gap.’ In Danny Silk’s book ‘Keep Your Love On’ he says, “While God is not afraid of sin or sinners, most of us are. We’re afraid of people’s mistakes, and we’re afraid of our own…. And as long as we operate out of fear, we will inevitably continue to reproduce distance and disconnection in our relationship with God, others and ourselves.” (pg 52)

When I ‘mind the gap’ in my relationship to God I bring Him my fear and pain and He brings me His peace and comfort. We move towards each other. It’s scary. It takes faith and courage after you’ve gone through things that you don’t understand. But when you do, the gap closes and you find hope instead of falling into that gap and feeling lost and alone. When I draw near to God, He draws near to me and I have so much more to offer my family, my friends and the people around me. I’m at my best, when I’m closest to the Lord.  You are too…. (Click Here To Read My Post On The Power of Saying Yes)

Jesus calls us to be salt and light to our world.  We can’t allow so much distance between us and everyone else that we lose all of our influence in their lives. While it’s true that you can ‘be a light’ from a distance (living a good example and demonstration Christian love in simple day to day activities) it’s impossible to be salt at a distance. No one throws salt across the room to flavor their baked potato. You have to be near for it to be effective. We have to be able to move closer to people, even if they frustrate us or disagree with us. That doesn’t mean we’re going to be best friends with everyone. But in a world and at a time when everyone is increasingly opinionated and isolated, we have to choose to love and move towards each other and not away. You have so much to offer. Don’t let fear or pain keep you at arm’s length. Take small, purposeful steps towards God and each other. Mind the gap and not only will you feel less stuck or alone, you’ll be able to help others ‘close the gaps’ in their own relationships as well. God is for you today and so am I. (Click Here To Read My Post on Being an Idealist)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. – I John 4:18 NIV

They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. – Mark 14:53-54 NIV (emphasis added)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. – Romans 12:9-13 NIV