I have often said that among the first steps of discipleship is “learning to be with Jesus”. It is by “being” with Jesus that we become more like him. Attempts to skip over the “being” part of discipleship will result in our “doing” things in our own power and effort – a sure path to disappointment or burnout.
This week in the Red Letter Challenge, a 40 day emphasis we are sharing together at First Baptist – Columbus, our focus is on the words of Jesus that have to do with “being”. Consider just a few of these “being” messages:
“Abide” (dwell/be) in my word.” – John 8:31
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest for a while.” – Mark 6:31
You’ve probably heard it said that we homo sapiens are misnamed? Instead of being called “human beings” we might better be called “human doings”. But, as we’re learning in the Red Letter Challenge, our doing flows out of our being.
The following faith practices might be helpful as we reconsider how we are “being” with Jesus:
- Prayer
- Worship
- Study
- Fasting
- Celebration/Feasting
- Keeping Sabbath
- Retreat/Rest
I invite you to join us this Sunday live (9:30 a.m.) or via live stream as we take up the topic “being” and further reflect on Jesus’ words.
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