In a previous blog, I discussed “Act Like a Christian.”  “Act” in this case meaning: to conduct oneself or behave. The “Fruit of the Spirit”—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) lists some of the behaviors.

“Act” is different from “do.”

“Do” in this case means “to bring to pass, or accomplish,” I mention this distinction because the two words can be, in some cases, synonymous.
In counseling the young boy after VBS, I suggest he observe people and copy things they do that are meant to accomplish something.  Examples:
• Chair or participate on a missions committee to bring about a VBS.
• Get involved in a campaign to raise funds to catch up with deferred maintenance
• Help organize and participate in Bible study groups increase their knowledge of God
• Write articles about stewardship and membership for the church newsletter to encourage more participation
• Serving as a youth group leader
• Serve as a Sunday School teacher
• Being one of the ushers at church (large churches)
• Helping pass the collection plates
• Finding ways to serve the Lord through prayers, gifts, presence, and service.
• “Do” is used more than 400 times in the New Testament, varying by the translation.
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Some of these activities are simply done and require no preparation, other carry great responsibility and commitment of time. They all contribute to further the work of the Lord, to improve His earthly home, and to benefit others, sometimes through the personal dedication of time, energy and money.

The Apostle Paul expressed some thought about how to “do” with our gifts (talents and abilities).”In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.  So, if God has given you the gift to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” (Romans 12:6-9 NLT)

All the”Doings” are ways of expressing one’s love of others and the Lord.

“Be imitators of God…and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

As I talked with the young boy mentioned above, I had to remind myself of 1 Corinthians 3:1-2.  …when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were an infant in Christ.  I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger…

As a result, my discussions about becoming a Christian in the past few blogs may seem simplistic and lack the in-depth understanding I should be presenting.  Under the circumstances, I had to keep things simple, or I would lose his confidence and attention.  The good news is that he developed into a fine Christian and is one of the VBS leaders today.

Oh, one last thing!  As a Christian, would you qualify to influence that young man (or someone else) in his becoming a Christian?