It’s a pretty well known fact at this point that my family and I have moved back to the South. At the end of September we got the opportunity to relocate from Omaha, Nebraska to Asheville, North Carolina. While this type of move obviously comes with some major changes, one of the biggest has been a newfound level of access to our family. What used to be a 19-hour drive through seemingly endless stretches of highway has been condensed to a quick 4-hour cruise through a few mountain passes and way too many construction zones. Because of this change, we’ve spent more time with family in the last three months than in all five years in Nebraska.

This shift has been a true blessing, especially for our children. Seeing this impact on them especially has reminded me of this fundamental truth: despite the abundance of technology at our fingertips, nothing can replace the authenticity of true physical proximity. Being present for milestones, spontaneous moments, and those “just because” times has had an immeasurable impact on the strength of our relationships.

Whether close by or far away, this season has a way of bringing families together. the holiday season, and especially Christmas, typically allow us some time to slow down, reconnect with the people we love, and reflect on the meaning and quality of our relationships. But, with the new year already in full swing, it can be easy to quickly move on, get focused on the busyness of the day to day, and forget how important those connections truly are. So why is the concept of proximity so important and how can we maximize those opportunities when they arise?

Jesus’ Example

In my family’s move, closer proximity to family was the driving force behind the decision. We knew that a decreased distance would allow us to be a more consistent part of their lives and stories. For our kids, they wouldn’t see their grandparents, cousins, and other family members as a person on a screen, but as a real tangible person they could hug or sit on the couch with. This is exactly what Jesus did for His people when He left the throne of Heaven to come down to earth. He wanted to be near us and wanted to give us a tangible connection to God. No longer did there need to be distance between God and His people. No longer did the people need to go through priests, sacrifices, and rituals to connect to Him. They could now go directly to Him.

The prophet Isaiah beautifully captures this divine intention (7:14, 8:8). In both of these passages, Isaiah refers to Jesus as Emmanuel, a name that translates to “God with us.” This declaration is not just a theological concept but a living reality – God deliberately chose to be close to His creation. This is exactly what we celebrate at Christmas each year – God closing the gap, reducing the distance, and coming close to His people.

Jesus, throughout His earthly ministry, consistently demonstrated the transformative power of proximity. Despite holding the authority to merely speak and make things happen, He most often chose to come close, to lean in, and physically touch those in need of healing. It’s a reminder that God’s love is not distant or detached; it’s personal, intimate, and close. So, what do we do with this amazing gift?

Draw Near to Jesus

James 4:8 invites us to “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This reciprocal act of closeness becomes the foundation for a transformative journey.

Drawing near to Jesus is not just a spiritual practice; it’s the fundamental key to building impactful relationships. Much like our family’s intentional move for physical closeness to connect more consistently with loved ones, drawing near to Jesus positions us for a deeper, more intimate connection with the One who leads, guides, and transforms. Drawing near to Jesus gives us the energy and resources to move forward on our calling. Take, for example, the time when Jesus and His disciples are faced with 5000 hungry people.

Instead of turning them away, Jesus instructs His disciples to bring what little food they have—a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. In this moment, the disciples know they don’t have what they need to complete the task. Faced with feelings of fear and doubt, they draw closer to Jesus, ask Him the plan, and follow His lead. Because they leaned in, the disciples got to participate in a miraculous event that increased their faith and gave them energy for what was to come.

When we, like the disciples, intentionally draw near to Jesus through prayer, Bible study, and community, we tap into a wellspring of transformative energy. It’s in these moments of proximity that we gain clarity, strength, and the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges. Like the disciples at the miraculous feeding, our willingness to draw near positions us to be conduits of God’s abundance in the lives of those around us.

Draw Near to Others

Ultimately, being filled with the life-giving energy and purpose that comes from drawing near to Jesus isn’t solely about us. We are called to use that energy and purpose to impact the lives of others. The apostle Paul gives is a great example of this truth.

Paul, in his letters and actions, emphasizes the value of drawing near to diverse communities. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, he expresses an unwavering commitment to understanding and connecting with people from all walks of life. This intentional drawing near enables him to bridge gaps, build relationships, and share the love of Jesus in a way that resonates with each unique audience.

His approach underscores the importance of close connections in our mission to lead others toward Jesus. It’s not just about sharing a message; it’s about walking beside people, understanding their struggles, and rejoicing in their victories. Proximity amplifies our leadership by allowing us to lead from a place of genuine care and shared experiences.

In our daily lives, we can apply this principle by actively drawing near to others. Seek to understand different perspectives, engage in meaningful conversations, and build connections that go beyond surface-level interactions. Cultivate a spirit of empathy and compassion, just as Paul did, and let your relationships become conduits for the transformative power of Jesus’ love.

Amplifying leadership through proximity doesn’t require grand gestures; it starts with the small, intentional moments of connection. Take time to listen, to learn, and to genuinely care about the people you encounter. These authentic relationships become the channels through which the transformative power of Jesus overflows into the lives of others.

As we draw near to those around us, we position ourselves to lead with impact. It’s through the strength of these genuine connections that we can effectively point others toward Jesus and share the transformative love we’ve experienced.

What’s Your Next Step?

As we reflect on the power of proximity, it is clear that this principle isn’t merely a theological concept but a lived reality modeled by Jesus’ life. Much like our recent move, where closer proximity had a profound impact, Jesus leaving the heavenly throne underscores the transformative influence of being close to those we care about.

What’s your next step in the journey of proximity? How can you intentionally draw near to Jesus, and in doing so, extend that closeness to impact those around you? How can you leverage the power of close connections in your journey of faith and relationships? The power of proximity shapes not only our lives but the lives of those we connect with. How can you leverage the power of close connections in your journey of faith and relationships?