Being

We are called human beings. Have you ever thought about that title? The “human” part seems obvious. But the “being” surprises me a little. It indicates present and active participation in what we are at the core. Most people seem more occupied with doing rather than being.

As I think about that, I am reminded of several things from the Bible that we are to BE. Here are a few.

I Peter 1:15-16 (KJV) – But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (Quoted from several statements in the Old Testament, including Leviticus 19:2.) Wait a minute. Isn’t that impossible? Being holy? If it were up to me, yes. But thank God, He can make us holy through the applied sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus (II Timothy 1:9, NLT).

Colossians 3:15 (J. B. Phillips) – Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering that as members of the same body you are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you. Now that one is not so hard. When I look at all that has been provided for me, I can’t help but be thankful.

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Isn’t that enough for you? God’s presence?

We are called first of all to be. To be God’s children. To be holy. To be thankful. To be content. My point is that if we are being what we should be, we will be doing what is right. We are called human beings, not human doers. But yes, they go together.

I used to sing a song called “O to Be Like Thee.” Some of the lyrics are: “O to be like Thee! blessed Redeemer; This is my constant longing and prayer; Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear. O to be like Thee! full of compassion, Loving, forgiving, tender and kind, Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, Seeking the wand’ring sinners to find” (by Thomas Chisholm). Oh, I want to be like Him, don’t you? Isn’t that the best kind of “Being?”