Craig Clouston

 

Human Doings or Human Beings

April 24

the Son…can only do what he sees the Father doing.

John 5:19

Lorain had just finished transferring her serving schedule to the calendar in the kitchen. Her service was the barometer in her relationship with Jesus Christ. She was scheduled for sixteen church events next month.

I wonder if that’s enough? she thought as she approached her husband. “Honey, I’ve got a lot to do for the church next month. Could you make arrangements for the kids’ practice on Fridays and Saturdays, and pick them up from piano next Tuesday?” As an after-thought she added, “…and could you make sure they get to their game on Thursday the 26^th; it’s a late game and they come home after school instead of heading straight to the game.”

Rafe was agitated. He hadn’t seen much of Lorain in the past three months. “Why are you spreading yourself so thin? Do you have to do ALL the work of the church?!” he said in frustration.

“I’m doing this for the Lord, Rafe. I thought you understand that,” she countered.

“Actually…no, I’m having trouble believing God wants you to do everything for the church to the exclusion of your family. When was that last time you saw one of the kids’ games?”

†

We were created to serve God and others. But, why we serve is important; more important than the amount of our service. It’s easy to get caught up in the snare of doing for the Lord like Lorain. We can become human-doings instead of human-beings if we’re not careful.

Looking at the Model of service, we see that Jesus wasn’t busy for the Father. Rather, He did only what the Father asked him to.

Each of us has been given a gift (Romans 11:29). We are meant to use it when and where God directs…not to fill every moment of every day trying to please God.

By spending time each morning with our Father we will develop the ability to hear Him speak. Then we can take our cue from Him and set out to do His good will.

Prayer

“Help me listen for Your voice each day, Lord. I want to be who You want me to be, doing what You want me doing. Amen.”