Being vs Doing

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24 NIV)

I have read that we need to focus on BEING a Christian than DOING Chrisitan things. We get so busy doing things for Christ that we don't be the Christian God has called us to be. This is not to say we are not supposed to serve. Christian are called to serve! But, we really need to focus on our own development as a Christian. Being the best we can be, will help us be a brewer servant as well. 

My year is a roller coaster between doing and being. Now that the ride season is winding down, I am looking more inward than outward. What can I do to improve my own faith? Prayer has been my starting point this past couple of weeks. I have gone back to a prayer journal. I will spend more time in study and bible reading. But the thing I am looking for the most is some quiet time, listening to God, hearing his voice and letting the spirit move inside me.

Thank you Lord for the seasons in my life that drive me closer to you. I pray you will use this time to teach me your ways. Speak to me through your word and embed its message deep into my heart.

No! Do or Do not! There is no try!

Those who walk righteously and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil— they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them. (Isaiah 33:15, 16 NIV)

One of my favorite Star Wars characters is Yoda. I love this line from the movie,"No! Do or Do not, there is no try!" Today my students took their state Algebra Exam. They could no longer fall back on the comfort that they were trying. Today that had to DO! 

When I read these verses I started out thinking I "try" to walk righteously and speak what is right. Then for some reason the Holy Spirit reminded me of this great line. I can not be satisfied as a Christian with trying! 

There is no middle ground when we speak of faith. We can not justify our sins by claiming we are trying to live a sinfree life. We have to do what is right in the eyes of The Lord. It says we even have to shut our eyes to CONTEMPLATING evil. That's a pretty tough standard. We need to get to the point in our life that doing is our only choice. This takes confidence in our faith and confidence that The Lord is with us. We can be bold and fear nothing. You only gain that confidence by spending time with The Lord. There is no other way! So, to borrow the over used motto, "Just DO it!"

Read -- Do

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22 NIV)

I love reading scripture. It is a special time for my own personal growth. It is the greatest avenue of communication with God. Yes, I pray and that is also an intimate communication tool. There is something about reading verses that I've read over and over again. Yet, they provide new insights for my daily life. 

Reading is certainly a start to getting to know the heart of God. Doing what these wondeful words say, that's the the real value of God's word.  If we just read like we are reading a dime store novel, we lose the power of the voice of our creator. We need to savor the verses. We need to examine there application in today's fast paced society. We need to open our hearts to the message intended for us. Doing is the extension of a real faith in Jesus Christ. We can't just read and ignore the voice of God.

Dear Lord, I love you. I read your wondeful words with awe and amazement. But, I ask your forgiveness that I don't apply that wonderful message every day of my life. Help me Lord! Help me to recognize the opportunities to serve. Give me direction very day of my life that I might me in your will and not my own. Amen.