Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. (Joshua 1:8)
When you think of *doing* the Christian life (or "doing the kingdom" as some people say) I'm sure we all think about telling others about God, praying for people, volunteering at church, loving our neighbour and stuff like that.
But when you think about "doing," does the Bible also come to mind?
Reading the Bible doesn't exactly seem like an active "doing the kingdom" kind of thing. It always seemed like a passtime for Christians, something inactive or passive that we knew we should fit into our lives between the praying and volunteering and witnessing.
Blessed is the one ...
whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)
I've heard the phrase "doing the Kingdom" used to describe a Christian with a vibrant, faithful, servant lifestyle. I've especially heard it used to distinguish this lifestyle from other Christians who are fixated on Scripture and theology without applying it to their lives--in other words, lots of knowing and very little doing.
But the opposite extreme can also be a weakness for some of us. If we think of "doing the Kingdom" as being an action that excludes reading, thinking, memorizing and discussing Scripture, we risk drifting away from our clearest and most tangible connection to God--His Word.
A few more passages come to mind:
Scripture cannot be set aside (said by Jesus in John 10:35)
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. (Luke 2:46-47)
Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. (Matt. 22:29)
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (Luke 24:27)
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:16)
Thinking about it again, maybe exploring/knowing/discussing/revering Scripture is also part of the doing? Maybe our relationship with God's Word is just as alive and thriving and active as anything else we do as Christians.
Just thinking out loud here. I'd love to hear your take on this too.
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