More on BE Over DO

Anyone like Math? Not me! But I know you need it to live. Imagine paying for a $1 item with a $20 bill and getting back $5! No matter what we think of Math, we need it to live.

In Math you need to solve equations. Some simple (x-4=10), some hard (2x2-x-1=0). To get the answer, you have to solve the equation.

The other day, I mentioned God gave me a spiritual equation:

BE
- - -
DO

What does it mean? What is he trying to say to me? To get the answer, I had to solve the equation. So I started looking at Behaviors and Customs; I got the idea from reading Romans 12:2 (NIV):

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

The Behavior and Customs of this World
The world is getting busier and faster. Daily, there's more to do, more to be aware of, more to get involved with, more you need to see, more you need- more, more, more!

Many years aog Alvin Toffler wrote a book called "Future Shock." In it he said we are learning information at such a fast pace, it will soon build up until we go into information shock. He was right. That's exactly what's happening all around us. Many Christians have gotten sucked in too!

When God gave me this equation, I was thinking about how much I HAD to do! I was rushed, I was anxious, I was stressing out! THIS is the Way of the World. THIS is what the World has to offer us. Do, do, do!

The Behaviors and Customs of The Kingdom
The Kingdom says there is time enough- to get everything done, to work, to play, to build, to tear down, to laugh, to cry (read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15) . . .

Ever notice how Jesus was never rushing anywhere? He always walked (I wonder, did he ever run?) Even when a close friend was dying, he took his time. People said: "Your Friend died! Run! Rush to him!" They all thought he was crazy to move so slowly!

But you see, accomplishing things is NOT what God is concerned about. He's concerned with WHO you ARE. Your character, not your resume! This whole "life thing," while we're here on earth, is just preparation for living in eternity. It's not about what you do, it's about WHO you are becoming, so you can live with God forever. Who you ARE when you go to be with him, is the most important thing. Period. It matters to him. That's WHY we're here. Be, be, be.

Which Behaviors and Customs are You Going to Follow?
So it all boils down to a choice. A choice YOU have to make. Which Behaviors and Customs are You going to follow?

If you choose The World, you can count on a life of rushing, a life of stress, of worry, of headaches and stomach pains. A life that just keeps adding more to your plate, keeps building until one day, you're going to POP! Or you're going to stand before God with a HUGE list of things you accomplished, but an empty character.

If you choose The Kingdom, you can count on a life of time enough, peace, trust, of happiness and joy. A life that keeps everything in the perspective of eternity until one day, you're going to bless someone! Or you're going to stand before God with an awesome character and he won't even CARE about the list of things you've done.

Stop a moment. Take a good long look into your heart. Are you at peace now? Or are you anxious to get to that next place; accomplish the next thing on your list? Hurry up and finish reading this blog so you can move on to the next one?

BE Over DO. Always. That's what really matters.

What is Holy Spirit saying to your heart right now? Have you solved the equation yet?

BLESSING:
May you be at peace as you listen to God's voice. May you make good choices in your life, starting right now. May you choose The Kingdom over The World in everything. May you always choose to BE over DO. And may God be pleased with what you have done with your time when you stand before him on That Great and Wonderful Day.