Being > Doing

Last school year, I baked for my class with the purpose of sharing God’s love. I also wrote cards to show my peers that I cared about them. I did these things with right and pure motives. 

When things start to become familiar, though, it’s easy to do them out of habit. If we’re not careful, our actions will be led by what we want others to think of us. We will do Godly acts of kindness and participate in Christian clubs and events. We must ask ourselves why we are doing the things we are participating in. We should do all things to glorify God and point others to Him.

I have recently been worried that if I am not baking, writing, or constantly giving encouragement that my fruit isn’t going to be evident. I have also wondered if my light is shining as it should be.

Someone at the United Conference said, “Jesus is more concerned with you being rather than doing.”

We’re always busy on the go. We falsely believe that the things we’re doing define who we are. Jesus wants us to be focused on Him. When we’re focused on Him, we are growing, being molded, and will have the fruit of God’s Spirit evident in our lives. Jesus’ characteristics will be what comes out of us whenever we fill ourselves up with Him. Our flesh and spirits are in constant war.

Here are a few plans of action to take in having victory over the flesh.

• • Have meaningful time in the Bible and prayer daily
  • Invest in the friendships and things that point you closer to Christ. These friendships and things will set your soul more on fire for Him.
  • Realize your weaknesses and pray about them
  • Focus on your beauty that comes from within
  • Be so focused on Jesus, who He is, and your relationship with Him 
  • Live for an audience of One
  • Make sure you’re being spiritually fed and filled
  • Live out your faith

Let yourself rest in Jesus tonight, tomorrow, and every day. Find your peace and joy in being with God, and watch the ways He will do amazing things through you. Your fruit is evident. Your light is shining.