Doing and Being

I was thinking today about the difference between doing and being. It is very easy for me to get caught up doing the things I feel are right--helping, serving, listening, ministering, visiting, cooking, attending--and forget that life is about being. The aforementioned list of present participles...or gerunds, depending on how they are used...aren't bad at all. When it's left to scratching them off a "to do" list, though, they become the by-products of legalism. I'm not trying to sound like a feel good Osteen or Bell when I say using my gifts, living my faith, speaking to people, giving and even surrendering are all nothing if not done with love (1Cor 13). Read 1Jn 4. God is love, and I'm pretty sure He isn't fluff.

With the Spirit dwelling within me, my actions become more than just good deeds done. It's not about my life having different sections to fill or appointments to keep so that I make sure to help someone or visit a friend or invite someone over for dinner. No, when I am surrendered to the Spirit's working in my life, those qualities flow freely, because it's part of my being a new creature. Doing becomes a result of being. Strip away all of the outer stuff, though, because let's face it...not every day is a day when I feel like doing the things I know I should. Even on those days, I'm still able to be. I don't want to sound lazy or like I'm trying to find an excuse out of the good works prepared for me (Ep 2:10), but it's true. Even on days when I don't do a single thing well, when I don't minister to another soul, when I'm too selfish to listen to those hurting around me, I'm still able to be.

I'm able to be held. I'm able to be secure in my faith. I'm able to be His child. I'm able to be convicted of sin. I'm able to be held accountable to pursue diligence again. I can be reminded of my Father, Friend, Saviour, Redeemer who is ever-present, ever-powerful, ever-just, all-knowing, and full of lovingkindness. Father, may I not resist Your grace in my life that keeps me busy doing the things You have for me to do, but I also thank You for Your grace that allows me to be Your child, regardless. I'm thankful that it was not my doing that brought me into a right relationship with You, and I'm thankful that it's not my doing that keeps me there. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for letting me be Yours.

I'm still thinking about this, but I'd like to hear your thoughts.