Being or Doing… What’s Really More Productive?

Are you relaxed and at ease? Or are you always on the move, with too much to do and never enough time to do it? Are you pleased with where you are in life? Or feel like you’re always chasing something? And when you achieve it, you’re immediately chasing something else?

I was always on the run, incredibly busy, and to be honest…energized by it. I thrived on the pace while being overwhelmed (unknowingly at the time) by it. It seemed like I could never catch my breath, always striving for the next thing.

Then I discovered prayer, which brought me peace and joy. In regularly conversing with the Lord, I discerned my true purpose, understanding how to leverage my gifts and talents, all leading to being fulfilled in life. Please read on.

Prime Examples from Scripture

We have an example of this in Scripture, where in the Gospel of Luke 10:38-42, Martha is complaining to Jesus that Mary isn’t helping her do the chores of the house, but instead just spending time with Him. Jesus replies, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled over many things. And yet only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the best portion, and it shall not be taken away from her.”

I think we see a similar contrast between the Apostles, Peter and John. Peter, the rock who Jesus built the Church on, after first denying our Lord, always appears to be the first to speak or act in the Gospels. Peter comes across as a real “do-er”. John, on the other hand, is typically, quietly accompanying the Lord, always by His side, not doing, but being.

What God Wants For Us 

Having grown in my faith and on my spiritual journey over the last several years, I’m convinced that what God wants most from us (and for us) is a personal relationship with Him. Nothing else is more important.

That’s not to say that “doing” isn’t important, both as related to the necessities of life as well as the things asked of us by our Lord. But all of it, everything in life, is secondary to having a personal relationship with God our Father and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross for our sins. Born out of their love is the Holy Spirit, third person of the Trinity, given to each of us as our advocate, as our guide who dwells within us and we can rely on through this challenging life.

What Our Friends Can Teach Us

Our good, strong earthly friendships require a consistent dedication of time, not haphazard, infrequent contact. There needs to be vulnerability, a transparency, and willingness to engage for depth to develop in the relationship. All of these same things apply to our relationship with God. And it’s all done through prayer, daily quiet time with Jesus.

Down deep, what we all want in our lives is peace, joy, and fulfillment. Here’s the secret. The ONLY way to accomplish these things is to “be” (with Jesus) first instead of always “doing”. Be with the Lord first, and be amazed by what transpires in your life.

God Bless you on your Path to Peace, Joy, and Fulfillment!!!

Mark Joseph