Today I have been pondering the difference between doing and being. For me, doing is a primary focus on our own behaviors and daily tasks to define who we are and to measure our goodness and worth to society and to God. On the other hand, being is a sole reliance on God to define who we are and to guide our thoughts and our actions, and therefore being is who we are in Christ, while doing is how we define ourselves by worldly standards (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Doing in part is believing that we can do all things in our own strength and therefore we do not acknowledge God or believe we need God, or our primary focus on God is when we believe that our needs are not being met rather than acknowledging God in all circumstances. Doing relies on our own understanding and interpretations of life and meaning and therefore we are the center of attention (Psalms 3:5-6). Doing is having a focus on earthly treasures rather than heavenly treasures (Matthew 6:21) and believing that our deeds are what make us righteous (Romans 3:20). Additionally, doing is concentrating on our own identity to define who we are in this world (Galatians 3:27-28).
However, being is to be led by the Holy Spirit instead of following the desires of our sinful nature (Romans 8:6-8). Therefore, being requires repentance for our sin filled life and faith in Christ Jesus as Lord (Acts 3:19, Romans 10:9-10). Being has a healthy fear of the Lord, an openness to wise instruction, having a heart for learning, demonstrating righteousness, justice and integrity, and having prudence, discernment, and discretion (see Proverbs 1:1-7). Additionally, it requires an ongoing meditation on God’s word and a delight in God’s commands (Psalm 1:2), having a prayer filled life, rejoicing always, and being thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17), and having a pure heart (Psalms 51:10). In summary, it is a wholehearted focus on serving the Lord (Colossians 3:24).
So, I challenge you to not be doers in this life, but to live as one who is being. Therefore, as a reminder and to facilitate growth, I encourage you to read through and meditate on Ephesians 5:1-21 (NASB), and to ask God to point out and to challenge you where you fall short. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
See that no one deceives you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ”.