BEING AND DOING I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. John 10:9 The Christian life is a prayerful mixture of being and doing. Some days or seasons seem like relentless service, unsustainable without breaks for just being. Yet, daily our Lord calls us to come into His presence for comfort, and go out in His power to engage the world. We first entered the gate of God for salvation, and once saved we enter for sustenance. We go in to be with Jesus, and we go out to give Jesus. Contemplation on Christ leads us to care for Christ. Our Lord Jesus is our great shepherd who protects us from the enemy. He leads us beside still waters, He feeds us His green pastures in prayer and He lays down His life for His sheep. Christ provides a circle of safety we can rely on for peace and security. Since our Savior is 100% trustworthy, we need not wonder or worry. Some misfit ministers pseudo shepherd God’s flock. Don’t be led astray by their doctrinal or moral mayhem. Keep your eyes on Christ’s secure staff! “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD (Jeremiah 23:1). How can you best be and do for God? Be who you are and do what you do best. God shows you your real self when you rest and relax in His presence. For example, His Spirit may say to your heart: I have made you to love. More specifically, He may say: Love leaders, love children or love the poor. Contemplation with Christ clarifies your purpose for Christ. Being breaks down your biases, purifies your motives, and gives you confidence to be you. God educates you. Doing applies what we learn from the Lord. For instance, the Holy Spirit could enlighten us to support our spouse or friend by being patient, not frustrated with their disorganization or overcommitment. We gain influence with individuals when they feel we really know, understand, and care for them. Being prepares our hearts to be magnanimous with those who misunderstand or mistreat us. When we go in to be with Christ prior to going out into the world, we are able to do for others what He has done for us. Being gets us to God, before we go out to serve with God. “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:4-5). Prayer: Heavenly Father, grow my faith by my comings and goings with Christ. I desire to be with You, so I can do for You. Related Readings: Psalm 27:14; Luke 24:49; Ephesians 2:1-13; 2 Peter 1:1-11
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 12:49:24 +0000
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