Week 3 Being and Doing

Christians need to be both be-ers and do-ers. This is especially evident when we talk about ethics, or Christian behavior. With children, we may emphasize correct behavior (doing) without explaining identity (being). Adult Christians may think we can act in un-Christ-like ways, as long as we believe the right things. The Bible is a guide which helps keep these two in balance. It tells us who we are (God's beloved children) and gives us a model of how to act (like Jesus). Christian community is another guide for who to be and how to act. It isn't easy to act like Jesus; people of all ages need guidance, nurture and encouragement. Community reinforces that we are children of God-children of a large and diverse family who need to work together.

Our identity as Christians is rooted in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Although children may not be able to understand the doctrines of the Church, or articulate denominational beliefs, they don't have to in order to be formed as Christians. Christian formation happens when we decide, out of love, not compulsion, that we want to be like Jesus, and act accordingly.

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