“Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land” (Proverbs 31:23).

Sitting is a common posture. We read examples in the Bible of people sitting at home, sitting on a donkey, sitting at a gate, sitting in judgment. We sit all the time—at work (well, some of us), at home, at church, in restaurants, etc.

I want to focus on three types of sitting. Think of this posture as an element of the setting and intention of the activity.

In class – The assumption here is that we are sitting in class or in church to learn from a teacher, pastor, or supervisor. Our posture should be to sit attentively, to eliminate distractions, and to engage appropriately with the leader of the session. Even though we are not the one speaking, we should participate with our attention and nonverbal reactions.

As a student or disciple, we figuratively sit at the feet of our teacher, hungry to absorb all that he has to teach us. In the story of Mary and Martha, we learn that when Jesus visited the home of Martha, that “She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” When Martha complained about Mary to Jesus, Jesus replied: Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

I had a pastor tell our congregation one time that he noticed when we were sleeping or inattentive, and when we were engaged. He said our engagement really made a difference; it energized him. I have tried to remember that when I am sitting in any audience, I am a participant, not just a seat-filler.

In community – Another time we find ourselves sitting is at the table with our friends, either one-on-one or in a larger group, perhaps enjoying a meal or good discussion of some sort. In this posture or setting of community, let us be mindful that we are sitting with two kinds of people—believers and nonbelievers. That is the only distinction that matters. When we are sitting with our fellow believers, we should be mindful that every opportunity to gather with others is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, provide encouragement and edification, to console. And when we are sitting with nonbelievers (or if we are not sure), then our intention should be to point them to Jesus.

“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:15-17).

In a public setting – Most of us have experienced sitting in a doctor or hospital waiting room, sitting on the bus or plane, or some other office. This is my biggest missed opportunity. I tend to focus on the waiting, either fretting about the waste of time or selfishly retreating into a book or headphones. I so admire those who see this for what it is—an opportunity to speak life into a stranger God puts into your life who, like you, is also waiting. Being effective in a setting like this, more than any other, requires prayer and discernment, because we have no foreknowledge of the other person’s history or personality.

I have a friend who drives for Lyft, and she sees it as a ministry. She has had amazing and varied opportunities to interact with her passengers, including some that her life has not particularly equipped her for. However, if we, like her, pray for opportunities, they will come our way; and if we pray for guidance, the Holy Spirit will never fail us.

Whether active or passive, the point is this: we should be mindful of our setting and our purpose in it. Sometimes the temptation is to lose ourselves in a crowd, or the opposite—to stir up undue attention in a crowd. Remember, you always have something to offer, so be prayerful and mindful of how to apply the fruits of the Spirit and your gift of the Spirit, no matter the setting. Think about your day and the opportunities you will have and pray to God for his direction in each situation.

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47).

In Christ,

Judy