May 26, 2014

Being and Doing

Written by Boyd Bailey

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 26, 2014

I [Jesus] am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go 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 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 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.

“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).

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

Post/Tweet today: Contemplation with Christ is meant to clarify our purpose for Christ. #wisdomhunters

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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.

Comments

  1. Kathy Phillips says:

    Could you please explain what is meant by “Don’t be led astray by their doctrinal and moral mayhem”. Please be specific regarding the type of “mayhem”. Thank you so much!

  2. Boyd says:

    Kathy thanks for requesting clarification. The phrase “Don’t be led astray by their doctrinal and moral mayhem” refers to some leaders whose moral failure like adultery or false teaching like denying the deity of Christ have been hurtful or disillusioning to their followers. The thought is to keep Jesus our model for morality and his teachings our standard of belief. Have a blessed week. A fellow servant of Jesus, Boyd Bailey


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