"We are human beings, not human doings".
I first heard this phrase from my sister about a year ago and it has resonated with me ever since. I believe there is a lot of truth in this saying and it is something that keeps coming up lately in what I've been reading and studying.
The glorification of busy
In this fast-paced world it is easy to get caught up in doing, doing, doing. It seems we actually like to complain about being busy; there is always so much to do and yet so little time.
I am not suggesting we stop absolutely everything, but rather take a step back and perhaps stop doing so much so we can simply be.
To be still, to rest and to simplify our lives can at times be frowned upon or met with a, "lucky you, I wish I had the time and resources to do that!" But I believe it is vital for our health and well being and essential to our spiritual lives.
In his presence
In Bill Johnson's 'Hosting the Presence', he states that "busyness" is one of the things that can keep us from being in touch with the unseen. When we are busy, which can include being busy doing God's work, we run the risk of giving out all we have and thus becoming spiritually dry. We must continually go back to Him to be filled for more.
Johnson states the privilege of carrying God's presence should never reduce you to 'just' be a labourer for God: "While it is one of my highest privileges to serve Him completely, my labour is the by-product of my love".
It is always a good reminder that there is nothing we can do that will make God love us more and there is nothing we can do that will make Him love us less.
Ephesians chapter 2, verse 8 says,"for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God".
Learning to say "no"
Sometimes when we are so used to doing, doing, doing and saying "yes" to everything we must learn the hard lesson of how to say "no". At times we can feel obliged to say "yes" to everything before we prayerfully consider whether or not we are called and led by God to do whatever it is.
In 'Secrets to Spiritual Power', Watchmen Nee says that if we are really led forward by God we will surely discover He hates the labour and efforts that come from our flesh as much as he hates our sins.
Nee states, "so much damage is done to God's work by those who volunteer who are not sent by Him".
I am not suggesting we all become lazy and start wasting our time. Nor am I advocating we never say "yes" to anything. I am sharing what I've been challenged with lately, which is to ensure I spend more time in God's presence, to simply be, instead of always rushing around or feeling guilty if I'm not rushing around.
I have found as I have been spending more time being in His presence a stirring in my heart is developing to show a deeper love to others and a greater desire is arising to help others in different ways.
God has a wonderful plan for each and every one of us and his purpose is that Christ would have first place in every area of our lives (Colossians chapter 1, verse 8).
So may we remember we are human beings rather than human doings.
Jo Fuller is an early childhood teacher with degrees in journalism and education. She is currently kept busy by her baby, Isaac and lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband.
Jo Fuller's archive of articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jo-fuller.html
