Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 14, 2015
So Peter seeing him [John] said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” John 21:21-22, NASB
There is an ongoing tension in my life of being and doing. The being part of me wants to wait on God’s best, as I contemplate Christ. The doing part of me has a sincere sense of urgency to accomplish the Lord’s work while I still have time on earth. This healthy tension of wanting to do God’s will while wanting to be still in His presence causes me to question my imperfect motives. I am reminded to serve out of quiet love—not with a loud “look at me”. Doing is the “what” behind my behavior and being is the “why” behind what I do. Being and doing done well, glorify God.
Peter was the quintessential doer and John was the model contemplative. Peter was concerned about what John was to do next, but Jesus wisely reminded him to stay focused on his own calling. Peter would boldly proclaim the gospel to hostile crowds. John on the other hand, would remain safe in solitude, penning divine insights—having received the transcendent love of his heavenly Father. One man labored among the noisy combines of the harvest, while the other man silently sowed seed into good soil. Being is the fuel that ignites the flame of doing the gospel!
“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).
Consider making being goals to support your doing goals. Cultivate character traits that compliment your giftedness. For example, you may be an effective teacher or speaker. If so, make sure to grow humor and humility into the fabric of your being. Both protect you from taking yourself too seriously. If you are a natural leader or skilled manager be intentional to serve those who report to you. How can you lovingly support those who look to you for guidance? Be Christ’s servant and others will be attracted to what you do. Your being legitimizes your doing.
Furthermore, foster relationships that lead to the right results. No one wants to feel used just to reach the goal. Every person is of great worth in God’s eyes. Thus, we celebrate the accomplishments of others while recognizing their unique contribution to the body of Christ. Jealousy has no place in the hearts of those secure in whom the Lord has called them to be. Our goal is not to be like other human beings. Our goal is to become more like Jesus in our being and in our doing. We listen to who our Father says we are to be—then we do what He says to do.
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help my doing to grow out of my being who You want me to be.
Related Readings: Daniel 4:27; Matthew 4:19; Acts 1:22; Ephesians 4:12; Revelation 1:9
Post/Tweet this today: Jealousy has no place in the hearts of those secure in whom the Lord has called them to be. #beinganddoing #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 5 minute music video- Casting Crowns: Who Am I
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