Being Not Doing

Are we more about “what we do” than “who we are”? The world likes to define who we are by what we do and accomplish, which is totally backwards. What we do should flow from who we are. While Doing and Being are related, it is the order they come in that is critical. If we define ourselves by what we have done (achievements, accomplishments) then we place our value (self-worth) in the hands of others. Consider defining our self-worth as a being made in God’s image.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector found in Chapter 18 of Luke’s gospel, clearly shows the link between doing and being. The Pharisee was all about what he did – tithing, fasting while the Tax Collector knew his being – he was a sinner in need of God’s mercy. There is also the story of Martha and Mary, again found in Luke’s Gospel. Martha is all about doing – all the acts of hospitality. While Mary is simply about being at the feet of Jesus. Jesus notes that Mary chose the better part. While Doing and Being are related, it is the order they come in that is critical. In this instance there was more value in being present with Jesus than a focus on doing.

This struggle between being and doing starts early and is often innocently encouraged. Schools focus on preparing us for our life’s work, our doing, not what we could become. We inspire their dreams which are all great dreams, but they are all related to doing and accomplishments, not being. We ask our children what they want to do when they grow up - be a veterinarian, banker, professional athlete, etc. Although we may phrase it as “what do you want to be” we are asking for the title of what the doing is based on. Those dreams tell us nothing about who our children are, or want to be, inside.

In Paul’s letter to the Galatians (5:22-23) he talks about the fruit of the Spirit - “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” When do we ever embrace or applaud these inner qualities of others? They don’t seem to fit within the world of competitive sports or business.

Being well is an evaluation against our true north or purpose, not necessarily scoring the merits of our actions. Doing good and being well must work hand in hand. In sports, Lance Armstrong and Barry Bonds were driven to do great things, yet their actions were less than ethical. Businesses want to be well through investing in social impact, sustainability, and philanthropy. They would fund a thousand buzzwordy programs rather than fundamentally alter their own behavior. 

What you and I do feeds what we become. The focus moves from doing to being. Here is where our doing feeds our being. Community is not an option we choose to participate in, like a club or group, it is not a DOING. Community is a fundamental aspect of our being. One of the great joys in life is being part of a community.

One of the tragedies of Alzheimer is that it not only strips away what we are capable of doing but ultimately impacts our being. It is not the loss of doing that creates sadness as age and other infirmities can do that too. It is the loss of being that makes this illness despicable.

It will be our being and not our doing that matters most. Being versus doing; distinguishing between them and their order will make all the difference in the lives we live. We also need to go the additional step and take time to know the ‘beings’ around us and not just focus on what they do. Let’s answer His call, let’s leave a legacy and BE a difference in His Kingdom. 

Rejoice and Godspeed.