Tuesday, July 15, 2014



To be or to do… To do or to be…  Which is more important?  Which has greater priority?  Which take precedence?

Too often, too many human beings are too concerned with doing.  We are activity orientated.  We are so interested with efficiency and effectiveness, and we have taught ourselves to make “To Do Lists”.

No, there is nothing wrong with having a “To Do List”.  In fact, such a list would be good and needful, especially for those of us who are less organized, less motivated, and/or less diligent.  Doing would be helpful for such people.  But, doing becomes bad when we overemphasize it and hence neglect and discard being.  When we are like this, we turn ourselves into human doings, and forget that we are actually human beings.

What is being?  While doing is more focused on what we can do, being is more focused on who we are.  Doing is more external but being is more internal.  Doing is more concern with our abilities but being is more concern with our natures and characteristics.  This is not a simple subject.  Perhaps the account of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) could give us some further understanding. 

Nonetheless, we must keep in mind that doing and being are inter-related.  Our doing should flow forth from our being.  Otherwise, our doing would be quite meaningless.  Our being should be founded on our doing.  Then, our being is not hollow.

And so, we have our “To do Lists”…  But it is good time that we begin drawing up our “To Be Lists”.


IMPORTANT NOTES:

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Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this article may not necessarily reflect those of the Christian organization Jason works in, nor the church or denomination he belongs to.

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