Being and Doing: The Foundation and Expression of Christian Life

In the Christian walk, true transformation begins not with action but with identity—being who God has made us before engaging in what He calls us to do. This article explores the biblical balance between inner character and outward service.

The Priority of Being

Being relates to who we are—the inner qualities of our personality—while doing refers to the outward expression of those traits. Scripture instructs us to “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life” (Prov 4:23). What we are inwardly will inevitably manifest outwardly as the fruit of our thoughts (Mt 7:16; 15:19; Lk 8:17). While humans judge by appearance, God examines the heart (1 Sam 16:7), holding us accountable even for our thoughts (Mt 5:27–28). Though we may conceal things temporarily, nothing remains hidden from God (Num 32:23; Heb 4:13). What drives us—guilt, pride, or the approval of others—reveals the state of our being.

Adam was created “a living being” before he was given a task (Gen 2:7), illustrating that identity precedes activity. Our foundation in Christ establishes our worth, not our works. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we find our significance in relationship with Christ, not in performance. True service flows from this secure identity.

Ideally, ‘doing’ should flow from a solid foundation of ‘being’, cultivated through relationship with God and others. Because we are children of God, we are called to actively obey His commands—just as Jesus did, going about “doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil” (Acts 10:38; Mt 28:19–20; Jn 5:19; 13:15; 14:12).

Character is what we are; behaviour is what we do

The Balance Between Being and Doing

Both character development and its expression in action are essential for a life that honors God (Lk 10:39–42). Martha’s distraction with doing caused her to neglect the priority of being with Jesus. Many today are so busy serving that they sacrifice intimacy with God. The solution is intentional rest and spiritual renewal, maintaining a healthy rhythm: receiving from God inwardly and giving out in service outwardly. Without sufficient input, burnout follows; without output, stagnation results. Whatever we do, we are to do wholeheartedly for the Lord’s glory (Col 3:23; 1 Cor 10:31), while also observing the Sabbath principle of rest (Ex 20:9–11).

Jesus declared, “Remain in me…for without me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:4–5). A branch severed from the vine withers and bears no fruit. It is through abiding in Christ—maintaining vital connection—that we gain purpose, power, and productivity.

Follow His example

Doing Through Divine Enablement

Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own; I only do what I see the Father doing” (Jn 5:19, 30). He operated in complete dependence on the Father, always seeking to please Him (Jn 8:29). He challenges us: “Why do you call me ‘Lord’ and not do what I say?” (Lk 6:46). True ministry is not self-driven activity but Spirit-empowered obedience. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the labor is in vain” (Ps 127:1; 1 Cor 3:12–15).

Human effort alone leads to pride. Scripture affirms, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit” (Zech 4:6). Even salvation is by grace, not works (Eph 2:8–9). Daily choices shape our character—responding to trials with faith strengthens our moral fiber, while resisting the flesh allows Christ’s life to grow in us (Eph 4:22–24; Col 3:5–10).

Our significance lies not in what we do for God, but in our relationship with Him. Service flows from intimacy, not obligation.

Relationship with God is more important than what we do for Him

Reflection and Application:

Examine your motivations: Are you serving to be seen, or out of love for God?
Assess your rhythm: Are you making time to “be” with God, or only focused on “doing” for Him?
Abide in Christ daily: True fruitfulness comes from remaining in Him, not self-effort.
Follow Jesus’ example: Seek to know the Father’s will and obey it faithfully.