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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Jason Fong also welcomes your thoughts and comments for mutually
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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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