Every time I travel to Singapore, my way of speaking automatically adapts to Singlish, the Singaporean way of speaking English, in a matter of days or even hours. I am amazed and surprised when I automatically say “la” at the end of my sentences, the way a typical Singaporean does. This is the power of immersion. Our brain automatically soaks up the culture that we’re immersed in, influencing and changing us.
When Jesus said his last words, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, I think he was not just talking about baptizing people like John the Baptist did. I believe he’s also saying that it’s important for us to baptize or immerse people in the name and identity of the Father, in the name and ways of the Son, and in the name and culture of the Holy Spirit.
We are transformed when we are immersed in the identity and ways of God. If you were given a chance to stay in heaven with the Heavenly Father for a few days, wouldn’t that change the way you speak? What about if Jesus were to hang out with you every single day for a month, wouldn’t that change how you behave? What if you get to have the Holy Spirit as your best friend, wouldn’t that change your schedule and your priorities?
Just think about all those possibilities. They can be your reality. Start immersing yourself in the reality of who God is today.
Image by Joshua Ang