What's More Important? Doing or Being?

“Don’t rejoice just because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered as citizens of heaven.” Luke 10:20 NLT

What aspects of our lives do we celebrate? When do we say, “Hooray for me,” or “You’re the best”? From our first steps as a baby to the end of our academic years, we celebrate each other’s successes. Beyond educational life, we celebrate goals reached in the business world and contributions made to the community. We give parties, gifts, and awards to people who reach certain milestones or achieve great things. We do this to thank, recognize, honour, and reward the person; and to encourage and inspire others to aim for these same great heights. Some of the rewarded activities are for personal gain and others are for the benefit of others. In all cases, the celebrated person has not achieved alone; other people have contributed in many ways thus the rejoicing is shared.

In my life, I have had many occasions to rejoice over both my own achievements and those of various family members and friends. Certainly, others were integral to each successful outcome. But, after the celebration, then what? There is usually an emotional letdown as we return to the routines of our daily lives. The rejoicing over DOING has a limited shelf life.

This is what Jesus was telling His disciples in the passage from Luke. They had just returned from their first mission trip and, joyfully, told Jesus of their many successes including the healing of several demon-possessed people. Jesus acknowledged their triumphs but reminded them: “I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:17-19). In other words, their success relied on Another Person. Then He brought their inflated egos back down to a more important reality: “rejoice because your names are registered as citizens of heaven.”

Wow! Even though we achieve and celebrate many successes during our life, from Jesus’ point of view, only one thing is worth rejoicing over: the decision we make to become His; to become a Christian; to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This state of BEING qualifies us as “citizens of heaven” and has an everlasting shelf life!

“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy . . . rejoice in his presence!” Psalm 68:3, 4

Lord, thank you for the abilities, wisdom, and perseverance you have given me to accomplish many things in my life so far. Thank you that these things have benefited not only me but also others. Lord, help me to keep all these things in perspective when compared to the great gift you offer: living in your presence for eternity. I rejoice, yes, I jump for joy, that you count me as one of your chosen! Lord, may my readers also accept this, your most excellent gift! To you goes all the glory!