Being Or Doing

When I started out in ministry, I made the mistake of being busy “doing” rather than focusing on “being” instead. I was wrapped up in making sure I was following some imaginary person’s perceived job description. The result was not that I neglected my “job,” but I neglected more important things. I often neglected time with my family (which I wish I could do over) and I even neglected being intimately in the Lord’s presence. As time went on, I began to see the value of “being” in addition to “doing.” I found that being present with people meant as much or more than programming, planning, and preparation. If we pastors aren’t being with our people, our sermons may be theologically phenomenal, but they may not necessarily connect with the very people who need to hear a word from the Lord in order to reset their spiritual batteries for another week.

As time went on, “being” became more important to me. In one of my churches, a member experienced an extremely devastating event which necessitated a good bit of pastoral care. During the weeks that followed the member changed the trajectory of my ministry. They said to me, “You’re a ‘be-er,’ not a ‘do-er.’” That’s when I realized how important it was to invest time with the people God had entrusted to my care, to whom I was honored to be called their pastor.

You don’t have to be in vocational ministry to be a “be-er.” In fact, how much more effectively can we all live out our faith when we invest time with neighbors, co-workers, and extended family. When people feel that we care about them, not as a “project” or someone to check the boxes in one’s “agenda,” great kingdom relationships will result. 

It’s not too late to be a “be-er.” Looking through the lens of my past, I wonder how my future might have been different. But you and I both still have a future. Let’s commit to live it wisely.