The Joy ModelSample

The Bible calls us not only to “be” Christians through our relationship with Jesus (the Vine), but to “do” Christianity by applying Scripture to all aspects of our lives (the fruit). After Jesus embellished on this point in verses 6 through 10, He told His disciples (and us): “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (v. 11 NKJV).

Jesus’ two greatest commandments spell it out this way: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’ [Being]. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ [Doing]. There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30–31)...

Bob Buford contends that when we stand before God at the moment of death, we will be asked two questions: (1) “What did you do about the Jesus question?” (Being), and (2) “What did you do with what I gave you to work with?” (Doing).

The yearning in our hearts not only to be Christians but to do Christianity in a way that honors Jesus is a good thing because ultimately we will be held accountable for both. But like all good things, we need to learn how to manage this yearning so that it produces the joy and fulfillment God wants for us instead of becoming some legalistic duty or obligation. God doesn’t get much glory when our striving and service make us all miserable. He shines best when we shine.