Being Before Doing—Two2Grow, Monday, August 24

“He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Mark 3:14–15 NIV

When I first started walking with Jesus, I thought being a disciple was all about doing: getting involved in church, studying Scripture, living in obedience to God’s Word, sharing the gospel with others, and praying for miracles. But as I pressed further into Scripture, I saw that at the center of it all is our personal walk with Jesus—to fellowship with Him and get to know Him.

Today’s verse makes it clear that knowing comes before doing—the personal walk with Jesus was the first reason the disciples were chosen. And that is the first reason you and I were chosen by the Lord, too!

Doing comes as a consequence of the relationship. Yet a common problem is that we often reverse the order—put the cart before the horse—and focus most of our attention on doing things for God rather than seeking God.

I encourage you today to set your focus on walking with Jesus. When you put your relationship with Him first in your life, everything else will fall into place, and you will see how He can use you in amazing ways to further God’s kingdom.

Jesus, thank You for the honor of being called into a relationship with You. I want to prioritize You in my work and in all I do today. Amen.

Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD