Scripture:
Ps. 56:13. “For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God [coram Deo] in the light of life”
Jer. 29:13 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Rev 22:4. “And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads.”
Reflection:
I met with a friend the other day for coffee. We talked about the historical practices of the church and how both creeds and ancient faith practices were a way that Christ followers in the centuries past kept their lives and identity centered on Christ.
Theologians have used a Latin term ‘coram Deo’ to describe how this life in Christ was to be lived. The phrase literally refers to something that takes place in the presence of, or before the face of God. To live ‘coram Deo’ is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the glory of God.
In God’s works we can see this concept lived out both in the new testament and old. A young David communed with God and wrote many of the Psalms when he was a shepherd for his fathers as much as when he was leading the people of Israel as King of the entire nation. This concept of ‘coram Deo’ can also be seen in Daniel as he would presence himself before God three times a day in prayer. In the New Testament we see Philip living in ‘coram Deo’ as he walked along the south road that went from Jerusalem to Gaza and responded to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to follow the Ethiopian eunuch.
Just as the generations that went before us, the call for every follower of Christ today is to also live in the presence of God, under the authority of God and for the glory of God, as we fulfill our life vocations, no matter if we work as a barisita, attorney, or homemaker. Living in ‘coram Deo’ is the only power that can move us from the natural inclinations of a self-centered lifestyle. Living ‘coram Deo,’ transforms us, empowers us, and should motivate every part of us. The early church knew it; it’s imperative that we also know it and more importantly…that we live it.
Coram Deo – To live our entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the glory of God!
David
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