There’s a lot of emphasis on what we should do—our actions, our accomplishments, our productivity. But in the Christian life, what we do is intrinsically connected to who we are (our being) and how we behave (our character).
This edition explores the relationship between being, behaving, and doing, emphasizing that to live a truly impactful Christian life, we must align all three with God’s will.
Ephesians 4:1 captures this holistic approach beautifully:
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (NIV).
The Christian calling is not just about doing good deeds; it’s about living out of a transformed identity that shapes our behavior and actions.
The Foundation of Being
Our actions and behaviors flow from our identity—who we are in Christ. This identity is not something we earn or achieve; it is given to us by God through grace.
Understanding and embracing our identity in Christ is the foundation for all Christian living.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (NIV).
As believers, we are new creations in Christ. Our identity is no longer defined by our past, our failures, or the labels the world places on us. We are defined by who Christ is and what He has done for us.
This new identity as children of God (John 1:12) shapes our entire approach to life. We are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live in the freedom and righteousness that Christ provides.
Our being is rooted in this truth:
We are loved, accepted, and valued by God, and nothing can change that.
Being Rooted in God’s Love
To fully live out our identity in Christ, we must be rooted in God’s love. Ephesians 3:17-19 expresses the importance of this:
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (NIV).
When we are rooted in God’s love, we are secure in our identity, and our lives become a reflection of that love. This love is not based on our performance but on God’s unchanging nature. It is the foundation that allows us to grow, to behave in ways that honor God, and to do the works He has prepared for us.
The Importance of Behaving
Once we understand who we are in Christ, our behavior should naturally align with our identity. Our actions are the outward expression of our inner transformation. As James 2:17 reminds us:
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (NIV).
True faith manifests in a life that behaves in accordance with God’s standards. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the kind of behavior that should characterize a believer’s life:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (NIV).
These qualities, known as the fruit of the Spirit, are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. Behaving in a way that reflects the fruit of the Spirit is not about striving in our own strength; it’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our character.
As we surrender to God’s work in us, these virtues will naturally flow from our lives, impacting how we relate to others and how we approach every situation.
Walking in Integrity
Integrity is a key aspect of behaving in a way that honors God. Proverbs 10:9 states:
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV).
Integrity means living consistently with our values and beliefs, even when no one is watching. A person of integrity is trustworthy, honest, and dependable. This kind of behavior not only glorifies God but also builds trust with others.
It is through integrity that we demonstrate the authenticity of our faith and become credible witnesses to those around us.
Living Out the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:3-12, provide a blueprint for Christian behavior. Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount by describing the attitudes and behaviors that are blessed by God: Humility, meekness, mercy, purity of heart, and a hunger for righteousness.
These characteristics are countercultural, challenging the norms of the world. Yet, they are the marks of a life that is truly aligned with God’s kingdom values. Behaving in accordance with the Beatitudes means living out the values of the Kingdom of God in every area of our lives, from how we treat others to how we respond to adversity.
The Call to Do
Being and behaving naturally lead to doing—acting on the faith and character that have been developed within us. The Christian life is not passive; it is active and engaged. We are called to do the good works that God has prepared for us.
In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (NIV).
Good works are not the means of our salvation, but they are the fruit of a life that has been transformed by God’s grace.
These good works take many forms—acts of service, sharing the Gospel, helping those in need, and using our gifts and talents for God’s glory. They are the tangible expression of our faith and love for God. When we do good works, we are participating in God’s redemptive plan for the world, bringing His light into dark places and His love to those who need it most.
Faith in Action
James 2:26 famously declares, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (NIV). Faith is not just a set of beliefs; it is a way of life. True faith results in action—action that reflects the heart of God and advances His kingdom.
One of the most powerful examples of faith in action is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The Samaritan’s willingness to help the injured man, despite the risks and inconveniences, is a demonstration of what it means to do good. It is a reminder that our faith must be lived out through our actions, particularly in how we love and care for others.
Serving with Humility
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul instructs us:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (NIV).
Serving others is a central aspect of doing good, and it must be done with humility. Humility means putting others’ needs before our own, recognizing that our abilities and opportunities are gifts from God, and using them to bless others.
Jesus Himself modeled this humility when He washed His disciples’ feet, teaching them that true greatness is found in serving others (John 13:1-17).
The Integration of Be. Have. Do.
The concepts of being, behaving, and doing are not separate or sequential steps; they are interconnected and interdependent. Our identity in Christ (being) shapes our character (behaving), which in turn drives our actions (doing). To live a balanced and effective Christian life, we must integrate all three.
The Danger of Imbalance
When one aspect of Be. Have. Do. is neglected, it leads to an imbalanced Christian life. For example:
Doing without Being: If we focus solely on doing without understanding our identity in Christ, we risk becoming driven by works rather than grace. Our actions may become empty and motivated by a desire to earn God’s favor or impress others, rather than flowing from a genuine relationship with God.
Behaving without Being: If we emphasize behaving without a solid foundation in our identity, our behavior can become legalistic. We may focus on outward conformity to rules while neglecting the inner transformation that comes from being rooted in Christ.
Being without Doing: Conversely, if we focus only on our identity in Christ without allowing it to impact our behavior and actions, our faith becomes passive. We may understand who we are in Christ but fail to live out that identity in meaningful ways.
The goal is to integrate being, behaving, and doing so that our entire life reflects the fullness of who we are in Christ.
Practical Steps for Integration
To integrate being, behaving, and doing, we must be intentional in our spiritual growth and daily living. Here are some practical steps:
Daily Reflection on Identity: Begin each day by reminding yourself of your identity in Christ. Meditate on Scriptures that affirm who you are in Him, such as Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1 Peter 2:9-10. Let this truth shape your thoughts, decisions, and interactions throughout the day.
Cultivating Godly Character: Focus on cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in your life. This requires surrendering to the Holy Spirit, spending time in prayer and Scripture, and being intentional in how you respond to challenges and opportunities.
Engaging in Acts of Service: Look for opportunities to serve others, both within your community and beyond. Whether it’s volunteering, offering a listening ear, or meeting a practical need, let your actions be a reflection of God’s love.
Balancing Rest and Work: Recognize the importance of both rest and work in the Christian life. Ensure that your doing flows from a place of rest in God’s presence, rather than from a sense of obligation or burnout. This balance allows you to serve effectively and joyfully.
The Eternal Perspective of Be. Have. Do.
Ultimately, the integration of being, behaving, and doing is not just about living well in this life; it’s about preparing for eternity. The choices we make now have eternal significance, and our lives should be oriented towards the Kingdom of God.
Living with Eternity in Mind
In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul urges us:
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (NIV).
Living with an eternal perspective means that we prioritize what matters most—our relationship with God and our impact on others for His kingdom.
This perspective helps us to stay focused on our ultimate goal: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. It reminds us that our identity, character, and actions are all part of a larger story—God’s redemptive plan for the world.
The Reward of Faithfulness
In Matthew 25:21, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, in which the master says to his faithful servant:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (NIV).
This parable illustrates the reward of faithfulness in using what God has entrusted to us. When we live out our identity in Christ, cultivate godly character, and engage in good works, we are being faithful stewards of the life God has given us. And while we may not see the full impact of our faithfulness in this life, we can trust that God will reward us in eternity.
Conclusion
The concept of Be. Have. Do. offers a framework for living a life that is fully aligned with God’s will. It begins with understanding who we are in Christ, flows into how we behave as a result of that identity, and culminates in the actions we take to serve God and others.
When we integrate being, behaving, and doing, we live out the fullness of the Christian life. We experience the joy of knowing who we are in Christ, the peace of walking in His ways, and the fulfillment of participating in His work in the world. This is the life God intended for us—a life that glorifies Him and brings us true satisfaction.
May we seek to align every aspect of our lives with God’s will, allowing our being, behaving, and doing to reflect His love, grace, and truth to a world in need.
Reflection Questions
How does understanding your identity in Christ influence your behavior and actions?
In what areas of your life do you struggle to align your behavior with your faith?
What practical steps can you take to integrate being, behaving, and doing in your daily life?