The Difference Between Doing and Being
Nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified. (Galatians 2:16)
There is a difference between doing and being. More than the obvious differences of activity and rest—there is a spiritual difference.
Doing is about appearances. It’s about activity. It’s about the outward and the effort. Doing is “religion.”
Going to church because you’re supposed to.
Reading the Bible and praying because it’s on your list.
Joining a small group because you’ll look like you’re doing what you’re supposed to do.
Serving because it looks good on your resume.
Man is not justified by works. “Doing” for the sake of redemption does nothing but keep us busy, bothered, and stressed. Doing makes us think that we are in control of our destiny, our purpose, and our salvation. Doing keeps us focused on self instead of God.
Doing does not justify. Doing is empty and broken trying desperately to be something.
Being is about presence. It’s about the inward. It’s about your motivation. The dictionary defines being as, “having the state, quality, identity, nature, role, of something specified.” Being aligns your identity, your nature, your role, to Jesus. Being is relationship.
Being changes your purpose and motivation.
So instead of just going to church, you go to be with Jesus.
Instead of reading the Bible and praying because it’s on your list, you do it to be closer to God.
Instead of being in a connect group for appearances, you go to be with other believers.
Instead of serving to build your resume, you serve to be like Jesus.
This week, instead of thinking about what you are doing, ask yourself what you are being.
Are you being close to Jesus?
Are you being Jesus to others?
Are you…being the difference?