Today, reflecting on James and the idea that we are to be & to do. Being is the internal reflection we do see how we are doing – of course the key here is to have the correct standards to assess our life, the Bible. Doing is the external praxis of living out our faith – it’s not enough to only know, we have to do.
Being is done in solitude, well doing is doe in community. We were created to seek both solitude and community. The key here is finding the the right balance. In solitude and silence we can reflect on the things we believe, God’s Word, and if we are living a life that that is congruent with them. In silence we can better hear that still small voice of God encouraging us, correcting us, guiding us. It is here were we are taken into the crucible to be tested and refined, purified to become more like Christ. When we are in the crucible we are put into situations that cause us to grow. We may feel along but God is with us. When we emerge from the crucible we are able to reflect God’s glory a little brighter since another layer of impurities has been burned away. At times when we exit this transformation process we feel alive and especially close to God. From this mountain top experience we must then head back down into the valley where we can again engage our community and do the things we have learned.
Silence and solitude is in part how we live out the first part of the greatest commandment – love God with all you have and all you are. It is in community where we live out the second part of this commandment – loving others. We can and do love God in community, but it is only in community where we can love others. The question is not “If I should love others?” rather it is “How can I love and serve others?” How is it I can allow this newly minted me to better reflect God’s glory and bring honor to Him? How can I come along side another in their journey to deepen their relationship with God?