Being and doing

 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. John 10:9

 

The life of the believer 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, peace, strength, counsel, guidance and the like, 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 for the power for service. We go in to be with Jesus, and we go out to give Jesus by being the expression of Christ in every endeavor of life. Contemplation on Christ leads us to care for the things of 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 to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares 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 over commitment. 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.

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4-5).