BEING AND DOING
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:2-3 (NIV)
I’ve noticed that people and churches can focus on being or doing. I mean that some people say I’m more of a being with God person, while others say, I’m more of a doing what God did person. The problem is, to live like Jesus means you don’t pick. Jesus spent an inordinate amount of time with the Father, but He also constantly loved and served others. If you aren’t doing both, you aren’t living like Jesus, and you’ll never be spiritually healthy.
For those who are diving deep into the Spirit, they’re creating fruit, but it’s rotting, and no one around benefits from it. Those bearing fruit without great roots will eventually burn out or be knocked over. The key is to be a person like Jesus who can be and do.
Notice what Psalm 1 says: First, this tree is planted, and its water source is unending. This refers to the person whose roots are deep in the Spirit, who meets with Him and meditates on His word day and night. Once this happens, their fruit doesn’t wither, and it’s good for others.
For much of my life, I’d jump from one season to another. Then, I started to learn that the key to Jesus was both being and doing. Daily, I’d wake up and draw near to God. I stopped making excuses, and it became as necessary as breathing. I knew that without deep roots, I wouldn’t be able to walk in love and handle the day’s tasks. However, I knew that what God did in me, He also wanted to pour out through me for the benefit of others.
What if our church was filled with people whose roots went deep into the Spirit daily, who were filled with love and power, and then were sent out daily to restaurants, jobs, neighborhoods and schools to be broken bread and poured out wine for others? That would be a church following the way of Jesus. It's not complex, but it’s not always easy. This is what it means to love God and others. You have to get the order right, and you have to be committed to both!
APPLICATION: Get with God today and listen to who He calls you to serve and love.
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit whether you fall to the being or doing side. Ask how He wants you to live more like Jesus. Thank Him for wanting to meet with you and use you!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?