To Be? To Do?

Neither? Both?

I used to have such a crisis about this! haha... Though I really didn't grow up in a church that was activism oriented, you always hear about your "duties" for Christ. Then I went to YWAM and really tried to live by the slogan: "To know God, and to make Him known".

Many teachings are out there emphasizing one side or de other of the equation. "We need to get out there and do more, there's a world out there that needs to know of the Savior" or "just be, you're a daughter of the All Mighty and His grace is upon you, you don't need to do anything for Him to love you more".... ahhh!! which one is it?

As with many issues of the Kingdom the answer is: both! The truth is that there should not be a separation between who I am and what I do. Our identity is always related to our assignment. Always!

There didn't use to be a separation in the Hebrew culture, which is why you don't hear Jesus saying "don't do, just be". What He did do was encourage people to choose their activities wisely, like stating that Mary had chosen the better deal when she sat at His feet to hang on to His every word. He too would sometimes choose to pray all night, or set Himself apart from the crowd. 'Cause the truth is that "being still", "meditating", "soaking"; are all activities that require intentionality; and witnessing, sharing, spending time with our family, working, going to church, and hanging out, should all to come out of who we really are.

There's a whole lot of doing out of who we're not, and not doing out of who we are; and my challenge every day is to be coherent in my actions, so that they may follow my identity. If I really believe that what I believe is the truth, then I must act in accordance. But often times people don't, I don't. It's the same problem James was having with the people in His church;

Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department."

Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.

James 2:17-18, The Message

When we really know who we are and Whose we are, nothing can stop us from fulfilling our destiny; and the best part is that is that there's a "destiny"! God wants to partner with you & me in co-creating actively. This isn't about some pre-determned fatalistic fate, it's about a purposeful adventure with the most benevolent Father! Sign me up! Yay!