Freedom to Be
7-25-21 Sermon Notes“Freedom to Be”
During the month of July, we have been celebrating freedom! Last Sunday, we looked at our freedom to “DO.” We’ve been given the Lord’s authority, and a clearly-defined mission. Will we go? Will we DO what followers of Jesus Christ DO? That is a question for each of us.
This week, we are following up the freedom to DO with freedom to BE. So…which is it? Doing, or Being? Can we find a balance between our doing and our being? A famous cartoon dog was asked that question, and he replied, “Do-be-do-be-dooo!” But seriously…it’s not either doing or being…it’s both.
Mary and Martha of Bethany are many times used as examples of how followers of Jesus must make a choice of being a “doer” like Martha, or a “be-er” like Mary. Remember this story that took place at their house?
38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 38-42 NRSV)
We all have different personalities and a variety of different gifts; however, that does not mean that the Christian life is either “doing” (“working”) or “being” (“worshipping.”) It is really being fully present while engaging in both. I think Charles Wesley captures this truth in one of his lesser-known hymns, Lo, I Come With Joy to Do, a line from which reads:
Faithful to my Lord’s commands,
I still would choose the better part,
Serve with careful Martha’s hands,
And loving Mary’s heart.
What will you be DOING this Sunday? Will you BE in worship with us? I hope so!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Sam